(Detroit) Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta injured his left knee against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and did not return to the game afterward.
The rookie caught a pass and was tackled by Vikings safety Josh Metellus late in the first half. His leg bent in a strange way.
“It’s not as bad as it seems, but it’s not good news,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said after a 30-20 victory. We will know more [Monday]. I know it looked horrible. »
A serious injury would be a big blow for the Lions, champions of the Northern section of the National Association, as they play their first playoff match at home next week.
LaPorta has caught 86 passes this season, an NFL record for a first-year tight end. He surpassed Keith Jackson’s 81 receptions in 1988 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He totaled 889 passing yards and scored 10 touchdowns, along with an invitation to the Pro Bowl.
LaPorta also set a new mark for passes caught by a tight end for the Lions. Brandon Pettigrew held the old record with 83 in 2011.