Hopes high for Sam LaPorta's re-emergence after big Thanksgiving game

The Detroit Lions' offense revolved around Sam LaPorta in Week 13, and the hope is that he can get back to his dominant self after an inconsistent and injury-hampered season.

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A year after emerging as one of the best young tight ends in the game, Sam LaPorta has struggled to make a consistent impact with the Detroit Lions in 2024.

Prior to Week 13, it has been a tough year for LaPorta, who has yet to go over 100 yards receiving in a single game this season compared to doing so once last season. Additionally, LaPorta has just one multiple-touchdown game to his credit compared to two last year. It's safe to say he has not made the kind of impact.

All of this has led some to wonder what's going on with Detroit's offense. Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports recently questioned whether LaPorta is seeing enough targets to make the difference he has in the past.

LaPorta came off the mat against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, with two touchdown catches to reintroduce himself as a key piece of the Lions' offense.

No matter the reasons for LaPorta's periodic disappearances this season, it's clear after what played out against the Bears that the arrow could be pointing upward the rest of the way.

Jared Goff believes Sam LaPorta is finally fully healthy

LaPorta has been some level of banged for a lot of this season, going back to a hamstring injury in training camp and an ankle injury early in season before that shoulder issue.

After the two-touchdown game on Thanksgiving, head coach Dan Campbell made a profession about LaPorta's health.

Quarterback Jared Goff echoed Campbell's sentiment, and he understands the importance of getting a healthier LaPorta going.

"Yeah that was good. (We had) a couple good ones to him, and he got himself open on both of those and (I) put it right on him. He's a good player and he's finally getting back to himself at this point and it feels good."

The hope is LaPorta gains confidence from Thanksgiving Day to push him through the rest of the season. If so, it's possible he could get back toward the kind of output he had as a rookie.

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