NFL Trade Rumors: Detroit Lions Tight End Sam LaPorta Expected to Play in Week 4

The Detroit Lions should have their emerging star on the field for their Week 4 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Dan Campbell revealed during his Saturday press availability that second-year tight end Sam LaPorta is expected to play on Monday Night Football despite suffering a low-ankle sprain in Week 3.

Lions HC Dan Campbell told reporters that TE Sam LaPorta, who sprained his ankle last week, is expected to play Monday night vs. the Seahawks.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 28, 2024

LaPorta was limited to 43 snaps in Sunday's 20-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, his fewest of the season. He missed practice on Thursday before returning for a full session on Friday.

LaPorta is off to a slow start, particularly given expectations following his breakout rookie season. In 2023, he finished second in receiving yards on the Lions with 889 receiving yards and tied with All-Pro Amon-Ra St Brown for the team lead with 10 receiving touchdowns. LaPorta has yet to find the endzone this season, and he's averaging an underwhelming 31.3 receiving yards per game. His struggles typify the Lions' offense this year: They've fallen from 27.1 points per game in 2023 to 20.7 through three games.

Still, the Lions have survived their regression so far. At 2-1, they're still well-positioned in the NFC, and a win over the Seahawks on Monday would be an ideal way to head into their Week 4 bye. The Lions can't afford a slow start. The NFC North could be brutally competitive this season: The Minnesota Vikings are a shocking 3-0, and the Green Bay Packers are 2-1 despite starting quarterback Jordan Love missing two games. If the Lions are going to repeat as division champs, they'll need to sort out their offense quickly.