Detroit Lions standout rookie receives unfortunate injury update before of NFC Championship Game vs. 49ers
The Detroit Lions held their first practice of the week to prepare for the first-ever NFC Championship game against the number-one seed San Francisco 49ers. However, Detroit may be without one of their best pass catchers for Sunday’s game after skipping Wednesday’s practice.
Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a knee injury.
Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, who has emerged as one of the best pass catchers in this high-powered offense, did not attend Wednesday’s practice. LaPorta sustained a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee against the Minnesota Vikings in the final week of the regular season.
Despite being hurt in the regular season finale, LaPorta has persevered through the pain to play in both postseason games for Detroit, catching 12 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. LaPorta will have two more sessions before the Lions decide on his status and maybe assign him a designation.
The Detroit Lions have signed veteran TE Zach Ertz to their practice squad.
With LaPorta battling with repeated knee issues and backup tight end Brock Wright fracturing his forearm in Sunday’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions have added veteran Zach Ertz to the roster. Ertz is a three-time Pro Bowler who has caught over 700 passes for 7,434 yards throughout his 12-year career. If LaPorta is unable to play against San Francisco on Sunday, Ertz will likely be called up from the practice squad on short notice.
WR Josh Reynolds took part in limited fashion for Wednesday’s practice.
Josh Reynolds, another Lions pass catcher, received an injury designation due to a rib ailment. Reynolds has scored a touchdown in both of Detroit’s postseason games and has proven to be a viable downfield option for quarterback Jared Goff. On Wednesday, he participated in practice in a restricted capacity and will be closely monitored. Kalif Raymond did not participate in practice on Wednesday due to a knee ailment.
