Detroit Lions Dan Campbell Gives Injury Updates on Sam LaPorta, Taylor Decker

LaPorta expected to miss multiple weeks with ankle injury

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided injury updates on tight end Sam LaPorta and left tackle Taylor Decker on Monday. LaPorta is expected to miss multiple weeks with a high ankle sprain, while Decker is day-to-day with a calf injury.

LaPorta suffered the injury in the Lions' preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. He was carted off the field and did not return to the game.

The Lions are already thin at tight end, so LaPorta's injury is a significant blow. T.J. Hockenson is the team's No. 1 tight end, but he is coming off a knee injury that limited him to 12 games last season.

Decker is also a key player for the Lions. He started all 17 games at left tackle last season and was a Pro Bowl alternate.

The Lions are hoping that Decker will be able to play in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 11. If he is not able to play, Matt Nelson or Penei Sewell could start at left tackle.

Campbell: Decker is 'day-to-day' with calf injury

Campbell said that Decker is "day-to-day" with a calf injury. Decker suffered the injury in the Lions' preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. He left the game in the first half and did not return.

Campbell said that Decker's injury is not considered to be serious, but he will be limited in practice this week.

Lions counting on LaPorta to be a key contributor

The Lions are counting on LaPorta to be a key contributor in their offense this season. He was a standout at Iowa last season, catching 53 passes for 669 yards and eight touchdowns.

LaPorta is a versatile tight end who can line up in-line, as an H-back, or even as a wide receiver. He is also a good blocker, which makes him a valuable asset in the running game.

The Lions are hoping that LaPorta can make an immediate impact in their offense. He has the potential to be a dangerous weapon for quarterback Jared Goff.