Former Iowa TE Sam LaPorta Sets NFL Record and Suffers Injury

Former Iowa Hawkeye tight end and Detriot Lion rookie Sam LaPorta set an NFL record Sunday in a win against the Minnesota Vikings. But the celebration was short-lived after LaPorta suffered an apparent knee injury.

In the first quarter, LaPorta caught a pass from quarterback Jared Goff that marked his 82nd catch of the season. CBS Sports reports that broke the NFL record for most receptions by a tight end in their rookie season. LaPorta went on to catch his 10th touchdown of the season too, joining Mike Ditka and Rob Gronkowski as the only rookie tight ends to reach that number. But in the second quarter, LaPorta was tackled awkwardly and left the game with a knee injury.

LaPorta walked off under his own power but was eventually carted to the locker room. He would be ruled out for the game. CBS Sports reports that after the game, Lions coaches stated that LaPorta had suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise. He'll be re-evaluated today. It is unknown if he'll miss any games as the Lions get ready to host the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs this weekend.