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Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta produced an unprecedented regular season for rookies at the position, and despite injury concerns, he's been productive in the team's two playoff wins. He's a game-changer in the middle of the field and takes the pressure off Jared Goff with easy competitions, so he's a significant factor in the Lions' offensive success.
Although LaPorta suited up for the last two games, there is a recent update on his injury that could put his availability for Sunday up in the air.
Will LaPorta play against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC title game? What is his fantasy football outlook if he's active? Who benefits if he's out? Let's dive in.
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Sam LaPorta Injury Update for Fantasy Football
LaPorta (knee) was listed as a non-participant at practice on Wednesday. LaPorta suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in his left knee in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings, but the 23-year-old has been able to play in both of Detroit's playoff games and has caught 12 of his 14 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown.
He scored in the wild-card win over the Los Angeles Rams, but he was much more involved in the Divisional Round, catching nine of 11 targets for 65 yards in the victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. LaPorta, who was the top fantasy tight end during the regular season, should return to practice later this week and play in Sunday's NFC Championship. That said, setbacks can and do happen, so DFS gamers should monitor his status closely moving forward.
Sam LaPorta Fantasy Football Outlook
The 49ers surrendered the 11th-fewest fantasy points to tight ends during the regular season, so he's not a lock to have a big game, especially considering the knee injury. However, none of the teams remaining in the playoffs present great matchups for tight ends, so LaPorta is still firmly on the fantasy radar.
For DraftKings full-slate tournaments, LaPorta is the second-most expensive tight end on the board at $5,400. Travis Kelce is listed at $6,600, while George Kittle and Mark Andrews (ankle) will cost $5,300 and $5,000 of your $50,000 budget, respectively. That said, you can save a bit by selecting Kittle, who we know is healthy, but LaPorta has as much upside as any tight end on the slate.
If LaPorta surprisingly can't play, it will be interesting to see if the newly signed Zach Ertz will suit up and be a factor in the passing game. Brock Wright (foreman) is on Injured Reserve, so if Ertz isn't ready to play, Anthony Firkser would be the lead tight end.
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