Detroit Lions struggle with LaPorta and Raymond injuries against Stafford-led Rams in playoffs

Detroit Lions hope to have key players healthy for Sunday's playoff game against the Rams. Coach Campbell confident in team's resilience.

The Detroit Lions are holding out hope that Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta and standout return specialist Kalif Raymond will be healthy enough to face the Matthew Stafford-led Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs on Sunday night. Both LaPorta and Raymond left the win over Minnesota with knee injuries. Coach Dan Campbell said Monday that LaPorta's status is an "outside shot," and they will know more in 48 hours. He also mentioned that Raymond's status is similar and that tight end Brock Wright and receiver Jameson Williams are recovering well from injuries that kept them out against the Vikings.

The Lions played their starters in the regular-season finale, aiming to win and hoping to improve from the No. 3 to No. 2 seed in their first postseason appearance since 2016. However, it didn't work out because of LaPorta and Raymond's injuries along with Dallas' win, which secured the No. 2 seed for the Cowboys.

If LaPorta can't play against the Rams, Detroit will lean on tight ends James Mitchell, Wright if he's healthy, and perhaps Anthony Firkser. The Lions have overcome injuries all season at various positions and are confident they can do it again if necessary. Quarterback Jared Goff expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to the situation, saying, "We'll work it out."

Coach Campbell echoed this sentiment, stating, "We bounce back. I feel like that's one of our qualities, that's one of the things about us that I think makes this group special. It is a resilient group. They're able to overcome adversity, snap back, and they've done that again."

The Lions have set several records this season, including an NFL single-season record with passing and rushing touchdowns in 15 games, as well as a single-season franchise record with 58 touchdowns, including a team-record 27 rushing scores. They have also joined the 2013 Denver Broncos as the only two teams in NFL history to have four players with double digits in touchdowns.

However, Detroit's secondary struggles in coverage, which could pose a problem against the Rams, particularly with Stafford playing well and his go-to target, record-breaking rookie receiver Puka Nacua, having an outstanding season. The Lions will need to address these issues to have a chance against the Rams.

Campbell expects to know by Wednesday whether LaPorta and Raymond will bounce back well enough from knee injuries to play. He's more encouraged about Williams and Wright, expressing optimism that they will be good to go.

Despite the challenges, the Lions have shown resilience throughout the season, amassing a 20-7 record since starting the 2022 season with a 1-6 mark, including a franchise-record-tying 12 wins this season. This resilience will be essential as they prepare to face the Rams in the playoffs.

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