The Detroit Lions are getting a huge boost shortly before their divisional-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) is active after he was listed as questionable earlier this week. The second-round pick out of Iowa practiced Wednesday but was limited on Thursday and Friday.
LaPorta injured his knee in Detroit’s regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Surprisingly, he played in the wild-card round versus the Los Angeles Rams, but the injury hampered him. He had three receptions for 14 yards and one TD in the 24-23 victory.
Perhaps he feels better and is ready to show why he’s an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. In 17 games, the 23-year-old became the third rookie TE to score 10 receiving TDs and set a rookie record for receptions (86).
Detroit is undergoing a remarkable turnaround. After the Lions finished 3-13-1 two years ago, they won the division title for the first time in 30 years. If they beat Tampa Bay, they’ll punch a conference championship ticket for the first time since 1991.
The Buccaneers, however, have won six of their last seven games, including a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round. To prevail, the Lions should let it fly.
Detroit is third in the league in passing yards (258.7) and could exploit Tampa Bay’s shaky passing defense. The Buccaneers are 27th in the league in passing yards allowed (248.1). Expect the Lions to count on a healthy LaPorta.
As of Sunday, FanDuel lists the Lions as a 6.5-point favorite in their home playoff game. The winner of this game will face the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship on Jan. 28.