Is Sam LaPorta Injured or Playing Today? Should I Start Brock Wright For Fantasy Football?

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has been one of the best rookies at the position in NFL history, and his presence in the high-powered passing game led by Jared Goff is a tremendous boost. The Iowa product was questionable heading into last week's Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he played and scored a touchdown.

However, he's still dealing with an injury and once again has an uncertain status this weekend. We have his latest update. His status will have a significant effect on playoff fantasy leagues and DFS contests.

Is LaPorta playing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday? If not, should fantasy managers and DFS gamers consider Brock Wright in lineups? Let's dive in.

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Is Sam LaPorta Playing Today?

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) is officially listed as questionable to play on Sunday against the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. LaPorta suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in the Week 18 regular season finale but then played through a questionable tag in the wild-card win over the Los Angeles Rams. In that game, the 23-year-old played 80 percent of the offensive snaps and found the end zone on three catches.

We'd be surprised if he wasn't active against the Buccaneers, a team that allowed the second-most half-PPR points to opposing TEs during the regular season. LaPorta was the top-scoring fantasy tight end in 2023, but he's going to carry some more risk in DFS this weekend because of his knee. DraftKings has him listed at $5,900, the second-most expensive TE behind Travis Kelce.

Should I Start Brock Wright For Fantasy Football/DFS?

Brock Wright caught just 13 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown during the regular season, but if LaPorta cannot suit up, he will enter the DFS radar. If Wright draws the start, he could have limited upside based on his overall body of work, but he's a fine dart throw considering the juicy matchup for tight ends.

He's far from a sure thing, but he is a budget-friendly option, meaning you can spend up elsewhere if you play him in single-game or Sunday-slate lineups.

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