DETROIT — Sam LaPorta added his identify to the historical past books Sunday, but it surely got here at a value.
After setting the NFL file for many receptions in a season by a rookie tight finish, the Detroit Lions standout left the sport with a left knee damage previous to halftime and didn’t return. Based mostly on the preliminary MRI, he most probably suffered a hyperextension and a bone bruise, a supply instructed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
“One of the best ways I can put it’s it is in all probability not as unhealthy because it appeared, but it surely’s not excellent news,” Lions coach Dan Campbell stated after the 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. “So, we’ll know extra tomorrow. I do know it appeared terrible, but it surely’s not as unhealthy as that. However it does not imply that it seems good within the instant right here to have him for a recreation.”
Editor’s Picks
1 Associated
With 1:50 remaining earlier than halftime, LaPorta’s left leg was bent awkwardly after he caught a go and was tackled. He limped off the sphere underneath his personal energy and went to the blue damage tent earlier than being carted again to the locker room and dominated out for the remainder of the sport.
The Lions additionally misplaced receiver Kalif Raymond to a knee damage Sunday.
“Our full intention this week was to play everybody and go on the market and win,” stated receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who ended with seven catches for 144 receiving yards and a landing. “It is unlucky. Guys can get harm each recreation, however for it to be this recreation, I actually simply hope that they are each all proper and can be taking part in subsequent week.”
Within the first quarter, LaPorta caught a 2-yard landing go to interrupt the NFL file for receptions in a season by a rookie tight finish, passing Keith Jackson’s mark of 81, set in 1988.
LaPorta caught 4 extra passes within the recreation and completed the common season with 86 catches for 889 yards. Together with his landing, he grew to become simply the third rookie tight finish in NFL historical past with double-digit receiving touchdowns, becoming a member of Mike Ditka (12 in 1961) and Rob Gronkowski (10 in 2010).
The Lions chosen LaPorta with the thirty fourth choose of the NFL draft out of Iowa.
He was lately named to the Professional Bowl, changing into the second rookie tight finish in group historical past to make a Professional Bowl, becoming a member of Charlie Sanders (1968).
As well as, working again Jahmyr Gibbs and LaPorta grew to become the primary pair of rookie teammates in NFL historical past to every rating 10 or extra touchdowns in a season. Gibbs, the No. 12 select of Alabama, scored a 3-yard dashing landing within the first quarter.
Detroit (12-5) additionally tied its franchise file for many wins in a season, which was set in 1991 when the Lions completed 12-4. That group obtained the franchise’s most up-to-date playoff victory and reached the convention championship earlier than falling to Washington.
Veteran quarterback Jared Goff wasn’t conscious of the mark after the sport, however stated he appreciates this street to the playoffs after enduring hardship in his first two seasons in Detroit following a commerce from the Los Angeles Rams.
“Coaches and gamers have an enormous appreciation for our alternative right here, coming from the place we got here from,” stated Goff, who grew to become the third quarterback in Lions historical past with 30 passing touchdowns in a season, becoming a member of Matthew Stafford (2015, 2011) and Scott Mitchell (1995).
“We have been, not that way back, 3-13, making an attempt to determine issues out. After which, early on final yr, 1-6, and it is nonetheless all of those self same guys that do not take this as a right and know the way large of a possibility we’ve right here.”
Detroit scored 30-plus factors in 9 video games this season, which additionally set a franchise mark.
