The Detroit Lions entered halftime with a commanding lead, but they might have faced a more significant setback just before the second quarter ended.
Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta was carted off to the locker room after Detroit’s last possession of the half, which ended with a 20-10 lead. Arizona is set to receive the kickoff for the second half.
Sam LaPorta is being carted to the locker room pic.twitter.com/eAulGVoeZB
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 22, 2024
The Lions haven’t revealed the reason LaPorta needed the cart, but he returned to the sideline in full gear at the start of the second half. While he sat out the first two offensive drives, he re-entered the game on the third drive, appearing ready to contribute, running routes, and blocking without apparent issues.
In his absence, backup tight end Brock Wright stepped up, recording four catches for 34 yards. However, on the second drive of the third quarter, Jared Goff threw an interception targeting Wright across the middle—where LaPorta usually thrives. LaPorta’s presence, even without huge numbers, is clearly vital for the Lions’ offense, so the team will be relieved he’s been able to push through his ankle issue and return to the field.
LaPorta Is On the Sideline But Not In the Game
Upon closer review, it appears that Sam LaPorta may have rolled his ankle while blocking downfield during the Lions’ incredible hook-and-lateral touchdown with 30 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
One reporter mentioned that LaPorta managed to hobble off the field under his own power before taking the cart to the locker room. A video from the stands, captured by Jimmy Liao MD, later showed LaPorta bouncing on his feet and testing his ankle after returning to the field fully suited up for the second half.
Sam LaPorta hobbled off after the TD play. Didn't look too bad, came off under his own power. For Lions sake, got to hope the cart that came for him was just to get him to the locker room for an exam with no chance he was going back on the field before halftime
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) September 22, 2024
Without LaPorta, the Lions’ first drive of the second half was limited to five plays for 17 yards. As the Cardinals took over, LaPorta was spotted sitting on the bench with ice wrapped around his right ankle. However, with his helmet and pads still on, he seemed like a possible candidate to return, though his status could be described as questionable at that point.
Before the injury, LaPorta had been productive, catching both of his targets for 36 yards, as Detroit’s offense appeared dominant against Arizona. Though he returned to the sideline after halftime, he didn’t rejoin the game until about five and a half minutes left in the third quarter.
After earning Second-Team All-Pro honors as a rookie in 2023, LaPorta has had a slow start to his second season, with just six receptions for 58 yards in the first two weeks. If he’s been playing through lingering issues, it could help explain his reduced production early this year.
