Lions’ rookie star TE will play vs. Buccaneers

The Detroit Lions are getting a significant boost ahead of their divisional-round meeting against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) is active after being listed as questionable earlier this week. Iowa’s second-round pick practiced Wednesday but was limited on Thursday and Friday.

LaPorta damaged his knee during Detroit’s regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Surprisingly, he participated in the wild-card round against the Los Angeles Rams, but his ailment limited him. He had three receptions for 14 yards and a touchdown in the 24-23 win.

Perhaps he feels better now and is ready to show why he is a candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. In 17 games, the 23-year-old became the third rookie tight end to score 10 receiving touchdowns and established a rookie record for receptions (86).

Detroit is seeing a spectacular turnaround. After finishing 3-13-1 two years before, the Lions won the division championship for the first time in 30 years. If they beat Tampa Bay, they will win a conference championship for the first time since 1991.

However, the Buccaneers have won six of their previous seven games, including a wild-card triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles. To win, the Lions should let it fly.

Detroit is third in the league in passing yards (258.7) and could take advantage of Tampa Bay’s weak passing defense. The Buccaneers rank 27th in the league for passing yards allowed (248.1). Expect the Lions to rely on a healthy LaPorta.

As of Sunday, FanDuel ranks the Lions as a 6.5-point favorite in their home playoff game. The victor of this game will meet the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC championship on January 28.