Lions' Sam LaPorta 'Optimistic' He'll Be Able to Play vs. Rams Despite Knee injury

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is "optimistic" he will be ready to go for Sunday's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, per MLive's Kyle Meinke.

The rookie suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in the Lions' final game of the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings, just after setting the record for receptions by a rookie tight end at 89.

LaPorta also said that he was able to get some reps in during Thursday's practice.

"I got some reps today at practice," LaPorta said. "Starting to feel better day by day. We'll see where it takes me tomorrow."

Drafted in the second round out of Iowa, LaPorta has recorded 889 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season. As the Lions' second-leading receiving option, it would be huge for Detroit to get him back on the field for its first playoff game on Sunday.

The Lions have had one of their best seasons in recent years, clinching their division for the first time since 1993. A big part of Detroit's success has been the addition of LaPorta to the offense. The tight end has given defenses another receiving option to worry about along with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, making the Lions' offense a lot to handle.

Now, the Lions are in the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and they're looking to make a deep run.

Up first will be the Rams, who ended the season with four straight wins to sneak into the playoffs. Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford will be making his return to Detroit, where he played his first 12 seasons in the NFL. On the opposite side of the ball, Lions quarterback Jared Goff will also be seeing his former team.

The Wild-Card matchup is setting up to be a good one, and it would be huge for the Lions to have their starting tight end back on the field.