Is Sam LaPorta playing today? Latest on Lions TE's status for Thanksgiving clash vs Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions' Thanksgiving matchup against the Chicago Bears brings Sam LaPorta into focus. After a season of struggles and injury challenges, the second-year tight end stands at a critical juncture in his NFL journey.

LaPorta is set to play and is not listed on the injury report. He's fully recovered from a shoulder injury that sidelined him briefly earlier in the season.

In his first game back against the Colts, he was targeted six times - third most on the team - though he managed just three receptions for 19 yards.

Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn

Last week against the Colts, he returned to action, playing 93.1% of team snaps despite previous health concerns.

Sam LaPorta's season of challenges and slight redemption

Syndication: Detroit Free Press - Source: Imagn

Sam LaPorta's sophomore season tells a story of significant regression. Compared to his historic rookie year where he recorded 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, 2024 has been markedly different. Through 10 games, he's managed just 28 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns.

He's averaging just 8.5 fantasy points per game, with only 2.8 catches for 38.5 yards per game. He's been held under 30 receiving yards four times this season.

His on-field target share has dramatically dropped. After posting a 21.7% share as a rookie, he's reached that rate just twice in 2024. The connection with quarterback Jared Goff seems strained.

Over the past four weeks, Sam LaPorta has seen a surge in targets - 21 in total. This translated to 14 receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns. The previous four-week period saw him targeted just nine times.

The Bears present a favorable matchup. They've allowed the 10th-most receiving yards to tight ends this season. For LaPorta, this game represents a critical opportunity to reassert himself in the Lions' offensive scheme.

Film analysis reveals nuanced challenges. There's a noticeable disconnect between LaPorta and Goff. Route running lacks the precision of his rookie season. His blocking has been inconsistent, though moments of brilliance remain.

With key offensive players like Kalif Raymond, David Montgomery, and Amon-Ra St. Brown dealing with injuries, LaPorta's role becomes even more crucial. The Lions need him to step up and become the reliable target he was last season.

His projection for the game sits at 9.1 fantasy points in PPR formats. This includes a modest 3.2 receptions for 37.2 yards and 0.3 touchdowns. But on Thanksgiving, with the entire NFL watching, LaPorta has a chance to rewrite his 2024 narrative.

His Thanksgiving stage awaits. Can LaPorta transform potential into performance? The Bears' defense might just provide the perfect backdrop for his redemption.