Lions activate TE Sam LaPorta for playoff matchup with Rams

Field Level Media|published: 01/14/2024, 8:03pm EST

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta during the game vs. the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. credits: David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Detroit Lions have a key weapon returning for Sunday night's wild-card playoff matchup with the visiting Los Angeles Rams, announcing standout rookie tight end Sam LaPorta is active.

LaPorta, who suffered a knee injury in last week's regular-season finale, set an NFL rookie tight end record with 86 receptions. He also scored 10 touchdowns and had 889 receiving yards.

The Rams ruled out safety Jordan Fuller (ankle), who stands second among their tacklers this season.

Los Angeles will have tight end Tyler Higbee, defensive back Duke Shelley and right guard Kevin Dotson active.

The Lions, who will be without receiver Kalif Raymond (knee), tight end James Mitchell (hand) and cornerback Jerry Jacobs (thigh), this week signed cornerback Chase Lucas and tight end Anthony Firsker.

Detroit also brought up defensive lineman Tyson Alualu and fullback Jason Cabinda from the practice squad.

- Field Level Media