Dan Campbell, the coach of the Detroit Lions, expressed optimism on Monday regarding rookie tight end Sam LaPortaAmon-Ra St. Brown’s availability for the team’s postseason game against the Los Angeles Rams this coming week.
With a left knee injury that caused Campbell to originally worry that Brown’s might miss one or more games, the Lions’ second-leading receiver missed Sunday’s regular season-ending victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Brown’s knee is not yet diagnosed, but Campbell stated on Monday that Brown’s availability for the weekend will be determined by what happens over the following 48 hours.
“We’ll see, Brown’s now has an outside shot,” Campbell remarked. “In 48 hours, we’re going to know a lot with him, but he’s got an outside shot.”
Before the Lions’ encounter with the Rams on Sunday—their first home playoff game in thirty years—Campbell stated he does not believe the team would take any action to improve their passing offence.
Although Wright has missed the last three games due to a hip injury, the Lions still have two other tight ends on their 53-man roster in James Mitchell and Brock Wright. Together, the two have accounted for 15 receptions for 119 yards this season.
Wright and wide receiver Jameson Williams, who had a sprained ankle on Sunday, are anticipated to practise on Wednesday, according to Campbell.
practice squad tight end This season, the Lions have also used practice squad fullback Jason Cabinda and Anthony Firkser in games, and swing tackle Dan Skipper has played 18 snaps as a sixth lineman. Sunday
If the Lions choose to pursue free agency, Zach Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles who spent the previous campaign with the Arizona Cardinals under current tight ends coach Steve Heiden, is the best tight end available.
“I believe we will be fine,” Campbell remarked. “Look, I’m aware that Brad Holmes, the general manager, has his eyes open. He’s always searching for anywhere we can get assistance.”
Because of the left knee injury he sustained in the second half of Sunday’s game, punt returner Kalif Raymond has somewhat better odds than Brown’s to play this week, according to Campbell.
If Raymond is unable to play, Donovan Peoples-Jones, who the Lions acquired from the Cleveland Browns at the trade deadline, may handle punt returns and assume a larger role at receiver.
“I think Leaf’s kind of in that boat, maybe a little bit farther away than Brown’s, but it’s very much we’re talking in days, not weeks, I think here, which is a good thing,” Campbell stated. Brock is progressing considerably. We’re doing quite well right now since Jamo is improving a lot.”
