Sam LaPorta injury update: Latest on Lions TE's status for Week 12 game vs Colts

The Detroit Lions offense is an embarrassment of riches.

Arguably the NFL's best team in 2024, Detroit doesn't need its quarterback, Jared Goff, to throw for more than 100 yards in some weeks to record a win. They can win by running, throwing, kickoff returns or even with their defense. They're a well-oiled machine that makes the Motor City's assembly line roots jealous.

Even without one of their key cogs, Sam LaPorta, in Week 11, Detroit still managed to post 52 points. The tight end was sidelined with a shoulder injury for the week, but early indications are that will be a quick absence before returning to the lineup. Here's the latest on LaPorta heading into the matchup with the Colts.

Sam LaPorta injury update

LaPorta's status for Week 12 appears to be trending in the right direction. After suffering an AC joint sprain in Week 10, the tight end was sidelined for the Lions' 52-6 clobbering of the Jaguars.

On Wednesday, he was listed as a full participant to start the practice week, though Detroit only held a walkthrough. Barring a downgrade in participation or a setback, LaPorta looks like he will be off the injury report before the team travels to Indianapolis to battle the Colts.

Head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism on Wednesday, saying that LaPorta is "questionable to above."

When was Sam LaPorta's injury?

It's not entirely clear when LaPorta suffered the injury, but he left following a 37-catch early in the third quarter against the Texans on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 10. He showed no signs of being hurt but landed hard on his shoulder after the tackle from safety Erick Murray and did not return.

Sam LaPorta stats

LaPorta's sophomore season has marked a major step back in production after a great rookie campaign in 2023. The tight end was targeted 120 times last season, bringing in 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns while playing in all 17 games.

Through nine games in 2024, LaPorta has been targeted just 32 times, hauling in 25 catches for 366 yards and three touchdowns. However, the fall in production isn't necessarily a LaPorta issue as much as it's a Lions issue. Detroit owns the league's best offense and has many mouths to feed, limiting the team's ability to rely on one player.

When given the chance, 2023 LaPorta is still there, which might make him a sleeping giant when the postseason rolls around. For fantasy managers, however, that would be too little, too late.

Regardless, Detroit's offense remains a handful to defend, and LaPorta is one reason why.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sam LaPorta injury update: Will Lions TE play this week?