Sam LaPorta injury update: Should fantasy managers be concerned about Lions TE after Week 10?

Detroit Lions second-year tight end Sam LaPorta helped his team defeat the Houston Texans on Monday night with a strong showing, logging 66 receiving yards and a touchdown.

However, due to a shoulder injury he suffered in that game, the 23-year-old tight end may not be able to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell stated at his postgame press conference that LaPorta's injury is a sprain of his AC joint and it's not expected to keep him out for long. He, however, added LaPorta might not play against the Jaguars next weekend due to the ailment.

Campbell's remark suggests fantasy managers should keep a watch on the tight end's practice reports this week, even though the Lions haven't officially ruled LaPorta out to play next week. Brock Wright would be expected to take LaPorta's place as Detroit's starting tight end should the second-year pro not play.

LaPorta injury update: What happened to the Lions' TE?

LaPorta has had difficulty producing noteworthy numbers this season, despite being one of the league's best tight ends during his rookie campaign in 2023. On Sunday night, though, he had one of his strongest outings of the season with three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown against the Texans.

Unfortunately for LaPorta, a shoulder injury forced him to leave the contest in the second half. He made a huge reception to put the Lions in the driving seat in the third quarter, but as he landed, his shoulder struck the ground hard.

The Lions revealed moments after that reception LaPorta was questionable to return to the field, despite the fact he didn't seem to grip his shoulder in pain after landing. Additionally, it was revealed LaPorta was being assessed for almost ten minutes before being ruled out.

Head coach Dan Campbell disclosed after the win the Iowa product's shoulder issue was a minor sprain of the AC joint.

“He tried to go back in, and it wasn’t quite right. It didn’t quite feel right,” Campbell said. “So we’ll get it checked tomorrow, we’ll see where it’s at, see how significant it is, and just take it day-to-day.”

LaPorta has caught 25 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns in nine games this season. His availability for the Week 11 matchup against the 2-8 Jacksonville Jaguars will become clearer as the week goes on.