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NFL

Detroit Lions’ TE injury status: Will Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright be able to play against the 49ers?

As the Detroit Lions head into the biggest game of the last 30 years, their offense has big question marks hanging over it.

Update:
Jan 21, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) makes a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half in a 2024 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY Sports
Junfu HanUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The Detroit Lions are headed to their first NFC Championship game in over three decades and they are doing so more than a little dinged up.

Internal line injuries are to be expected as the playoffs roll around, but for the Lions, that extends to two key players. Both tight ends that they have on the roster.

Brock Wright has been ruled out of the NFC Championship game with a broken forearm sustained in Detroit’s 31-23 home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In the third quarter of the game, Wright had a 29-yard reception on a third and one to set up Craig Reynolds’ one-yard touchdown run, but came out of the game before the fourth quarter.

Their only other tight end is rookie Sam LaPorta, who caught nine passes for 65 yards against Tampa, in his second game back from a knee injury. He showed no ill effects from his injury but the Lions still have him listed as questionable for San Francisco.

In reality it is likely that LaPorta will indeed play, but if he doesn’t then the job will fall to Anthony Firkser. As a backup measure, the Lions have signed three-time Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad. If things should go south for LaPorta, having a veteran on the squad can’t hurt.