Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Detroit Lions, gave updates on Sam LaPorta and Kalif Raymond’s injuries on Monday after the club defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30–20.
Following the game on Sunday, after LaPorta’s original diagnosis of a hyperextended knee, Campbell said there’s still a chance LaPorta might play for the Lions against the Rams in the Wild Card stage of the playoffs.
Regarding whether the Lions should look elsewhere for assistance at the position, Campbell stated he believes the team will be OK with its current roster.
“No, I believe we’ll be fine,” Campbell said. I am aware that Brad is continually searching for a place where he can assist us, so I am saying this. However, as you can see, LaPorta now has an outside shot. We’ll see; we should learn a lot about him in the next 48 hours. However, he has a long shot.”
If LaPorta is unable to play, it will be a significant absence. He broke the NFL record for receptions by a first-year tight end during his incredible rookie campaign.
In the victory on Sunday, Raymond also sustained a knee injury. According to Campbell, the wide receiver has a little less opportunity than LaPorta to participate in the postseason opener.
“I think Leaf’s kind of in that boat, maybe a little bit farther away than LaPorta,” Campbell stated. “However, it’s important to note that we’re discussing days here rather than weeks, which is favourable. Both ‘Jamo’ (Jameson Williams) and Brock (Wright) are feeling much better. Thus, we’re in a terrific place right now.”
Later on, Campbell made it clear that in his opinion, Brock Wright and Jameson Williams ought to be working out on Wednesday. In addition, he expressed pessimism on James Houston’s prospects of playing again on Sunday.
“Houston is going to be practicing outside. Let’s see. How much better will he be than he was last week? How wonderful would that be? I’m not sure,” Campbell said. “My optimism about him has decreased. I have faith that Jamo will do well here. After practicing on Wednesday, he ought to be fine. Additionally, I believe Brock will be ready to go and will be practicing outside.”
The playoff game on Sunday promises to be an exciting confrontation. After being traded for a package that included Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, the quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, will be playing at Ford Field for the first time.
The narrative of each quarterback facing off against his former team has further increased the interest surrounding the high stakes of Sunday’s game.
But Campbell remained unwavering in his assertion that the game on Sunday is about more than just the quarterback competition.
“I understand why people would be fascinated by it, so I guess I can appreciate it if I’m sitting where other people are,” said Campbell. “I know it’s just one of these tales. But it’s also a reminder—Goff is aware of this, for instance—that we succeed as a team. This is the Lions vs. Rams game, and we win in three phases, man. He only needs to do his share, which is enormous, to contribute to that.
