Detroit Lions TE questionable (shoulder)

by Junna Base November 11, 2024

The Detroit Lions may have lost tight end Sam LaPorta to the Houston Texans on Sunday night.

The second-year tight end made a big catch to put the Lions in scoring position in the third quarter, but slammed the turf while coming down with the grab.

The Lions took advantage of the difficult catch by running back David Montgomery inbounding the ball, helping to cut a large Texans lead to 23-13.

Although LaPorta did not appear to grab his shoulder or go to the ground after the hit, the team announced on social media shortly afterward that the tight end’s return was questionable. According to the NBC broadcast, LaPorta was in the blue tent for about 10 minutes and was being evaluated.

LaPorta was not used on either of the following two drives.

Additionally, star defensive lineman Alim McNeill left the game after a sack on CJ Stroud and appeared to be dealing with a jaw injury, while cornerback Carlton Davis III was injured during a tackle in the third quarter. McNeill came back into the game after missing a few snaps.

The Lions also announced on social media that Kalif Raymond was questionable due to cramps, although the Swiss Army Knife returned a punt early in the fourth quarter.

The Lions are already without left tackle Taylor Decker, who injured his shoulder in practice, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (ankle) and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury.

The Lions traded defensive end Za’Darius Smith on Tuesday to bolster the defense after Aidan Hutchinson broke his leg, Marcus Davenport tore his pectoral muscle and Derrick Barnes went on IR with a knee injury. Smith was not in the lineup Sunday because the Lions wanted to give him time to rest and his planned bye week following his departure from the Browns.

Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22and email him at [email protected].

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