When the Detroit Lions enter the field in Sunday’s much awaited playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, their star rookie tight end will be available.
Dan Campbell’s team will have access to Sam LaPorta, who was listed as out with a hyperextended knee earlier in the week.
The second-round draft pick’s preparation week was a little different from what it was like the entire season.
“It’s certainly a little different approach to what I’ve had the previous 17 weeks,” LaPorta told reporters this week. “I’m not out there getting as many reps as I had these past weeks. So, certainly staying on top of the game-planning aspect, but still trying to recover my body and make it feel good and be ready for the game.”
Following his full participation in Friday’s practice, there was increased assurance that the former tight end for the Hawkeyes would be ready for experienced quarterback Jared Goff. As a precaution, he will wear a large knee brace on his left knee.
“I’m getting better with it. ‘Mac’ (Alim McNeill) told me that same thing. At first, if you’ve never worn a knee brace before, it’s bulky, it’s kind of annoying, it clicks,” LaPorta explained. “Might have to spray it with a little WD-40 to make it feel better. Certainly I’ve gotten used to it in the last 48, 72 hours, and gonna keep working through it.”