Ad Disclosure
Sam LaPorta carted to locker room with injury during Detroit Lions’ Week 18 game
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Sam LaPorta’s day with the Detroit Lions is likely over, but a bigger concern will be his status for the playoffs.
The Iowa product has been an impact performer as a rookie with the franchise. Unfortunately, he was injured and eventually carted to the locker room with what appeared to be a serious injury.
After one 3rd-down catch, LaPorta was tackled by a Minnesota Viking defender as LaPorta’s left knee buckled awkwardly toward the outside. He immediately reached for his knee and remained on the ground in visible pain before eventually leaving the game.
It remains to be seen how bad the injury was, but the initial sight of the play is an ugly scene, to say the least.
Sam LaPorta is down injured… pic.twitter.com/0StOshbYrA
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) January 7, 2024
Sam LaPorta –
May have just suffered a significant ligament injury as his left knee buckles and hyperextends.
Concern for ACL and/or LCL.
If he’s ruled out quickly, assume the worst. Really hope I’m wrong on this one, as it would impact his 2024 production. pic.twitter.com/NkbklssrTH— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) January 7, 2024
Prior to the injury, LaPorta delivered a short receiving touchdown, putting the rookie in some elite all-time company for rookie TEs.
A record-setting play for Sam LaPorta.
This was LaPorta’s 82nd reception of the season.
That is now the MOST catches for a rookie TE in a single season in NFL history.
This was LaPorta’s 10th TD reception of the year.
That ties the most TDs for a rookie TE in a single season. pic.twitter.com/ixj5pp42Od
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) January 7, 2024
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.