BREAKING NEWS: Sam LaPorta ‘outside shot’ to play vs. Rams, Jameson Williams ‘good to go’
BREAKING NEWS: Sam LaPorta ‘outside shot’ to play vs. Rams, Jameson Williams ‘good to go’
Let’s go over each injury one by one. Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell provided a number of injury reports on Monday. He was upbeat about tight end Sam LaPorta and had positive news about wide receiver Jameson Williams and tight end Brock Wright.
Although Campbell mentioned there’s a chance the rookie tight end might play this week against the Los Angeles Rams, the initial reports indicated LaPorta had a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise.
LaPorta now has an outside chance, according to Campbell. “We’ll observe. We will learn a great deal from him in the course of 48 hours. However, he has an outside chance.
“We’re talking days, not weeks here,” he added later.
In addition, Campbell stated that the Lions do not anticipate adding outside assistance at the position, with Brock Wright, James Mitchell, and Anthony Firkser returning this week (more on that later).
“No, I believe we will be fine,” Campbell answered.
Raymond also suffered a knee injury and did not return against the Vikings. Campbell put him in the same category as LaPorta, but perhaps a little behind the tight end.
“I think (Raymond’s) in that boat, maybe a little farther away than LaPorta,” Campbell said.
Raymond is coming off an outstanding game as a punt returner against the Vikings, something Campbell made note of to begin his press conference. Campbell noted that they are currently examining replacement options, including Donovan Peoples-Jones, an acquisition Detroit made at the trade deadline.
“I think Jamo’s going to be good here,” Campbell said. “He should be good to go practicing on Wednesday.”
Williams was just starting to hit his stride with the Lions, earning at least 40 receiving yards in five of his last seven games. He also provides the Lions with big play potential, as evidenced by his 63-yard catch against the Cowboys.
James Houston
If there was one pessimistic outlook from Campbell, it’s that of second-year pass rusher James Houston, who is entering his third week of practice following a fractured ankle in Week 2. It sounds like Houston isn’t likely to play this week, but a return could be on the table if the Lions make the divisional round.
“Houston will be out there practicing, and we’ll see,” Campbell said. “He’ll be better than he was last week. Now, how much is that? How good is that going to be? I don’t know. I’m not as optimistic about him.”
If there was one pessimistic outlook from Campbell, it’s that of second-year pass rusher James Houston, who is entering his third week of practice following a fractured ankle in Week 2. It sounds like Houston isn’t likely to play this week, but a return could be on the table if the Lions make the divisional round.
“Houston will be out there practicing, and we’ll see,” Campbell said. “He’ll be better than he was last week. Now, how much is that? How good is that going to be? I don’t know. I’m not as optimistic about him.”
