It’s never a good start to a season when the new No. 1 tight end for most fantasy football analysts is dealing with a hamstring injury. That was the case with second-year TE Sam LaPorta, who first missed practice back in early August and did not feature throughout the preseason for the Detroit Lions.
As we enter the start of Week 1, what is the latest on LaPorta’s injury? Should we be concerned about his status for Week 1? What is his fantasy outlook for the upcoming season?
What Is the Latest on Sam LaPorta’s Injury?
As mentioned above, LaPorta missed all of the NFL preseason with his hamstring injury but returned to practice immediately after the Lions’ preseason action finished. The tight end was back at practice last Sunday, and head coach Dan Campbell said he looked good.
For all intents and purposes, LaPorta should arguably be off the NFL injury report now. That could very well be the case when the Lions release their first injury report for the 2024 season on Wednesday.
Even if he is listed, LaPorta will likely be limited at worst, and it should just be a precaution. Barring any setback, he should be on the field when Detroit hosts the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.
Jason Katz’s Fantasy Outlook for LaPorta
Sam LaPorta had an outstanding rookie season, averaging 14.1 fantasy points per game, the best by a rookie tight end in fantasy history. He caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.
LaPorta’s 21.1% target share and 1.78 yards per route run were among the top in the league for tight ends. Despite being targeted on 24% of his routes, he averaged only 7.4 yards per target, indicating room for improvement.
With no significant additions to the Lions’ offensive skill positions, LaPorta remains the clear No. 2 target behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. His role as a top red zone target for QB Jared Goff is solidified.
LaPorta is still developing and hasn’t reached his prime yet. A 16-point-per-game season is expected within the next couple of years, possibly as soon as 2024.
LaPorta’s current ADP around No. 23 overall places him at the 2/3 turn in drafts. This opportunity cost is high, as you could be passing on a high WR2 or low WR1. While LaPorta’s potential to match WR2 production at the tight end position is intriguing, it’s crucial to evaluate the board carefully before making this choice.
LaPorta is justifiably the top-ranked tight end, but drafting him at his ADP requires consideration. If he falls to the middle of the third round, he’s a valuable pick. However, in the late second round, it may be wiser to prioritize certain wide receivers with higher upside.