After missing last week’s game, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is expected to return against the Indianapolis Colts during week 12, depending on the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
LaPorta did not play in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars because he was dealing with a shoulder injury. LaPorta was injured during the Lions’ Week 10 win over Houston.
LaPorta fills a do-it-all role within the Lions offense, impacting this game as both a blocker and pass catcher. This element at the tight end position can add a layer of unpredictability to the offense, with opponents not easily being able to decipher what responsibilities a tight end may have on a given play.
With a backfield featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the Lions run one of the most dynamic running games in football.
As a pass catcher, LaPorta has been a reliable target and, at times, a safety net for quarterback Jared Goff, catching 25 of 30 targets for 366 yards with three touchdowns.
Among all tight ends, LaPorta leads the position group in yards per catch with 14.6 and is one of the best with the ball in his hands, averaging YAC’s third-best per reception.
On the season, the opposing tight ends are, on averagecatching nearly six passes per game against the Colts defense at nearly 10 yards per reception.
Between the Lions’ ability in the running game and LaPorta at tight end, the Colts will need a strong performance from their linebacker group.
This article was originally published on Colts Wire: Lions TE Sam LaPorta expected to return in Week 12 against the Colts
