Lions’ LaPorta sets rookie TE record, then injured

DETROIT — Sam LaPorta added his name to the history books Sunday before exiting in the second quarter with a left knee injury.

With his 2-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter of a 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, the Detroit Lions standout set the NFL record for most receptions in a season by a rookie tight end. He caught four more passes in the game and finished the regular season with 86 catches for 889 yards.

He passed Keith Jackson’s mark (81), which was set in 1988.

With 1:50 remaining before halftime, LaPorta’s left leg was bent awkwardly after he caught a pass and was tackled. He limped off the field under his own power and went to the blue injury tent before he was carted back to the locker room and ruled out for the remainder of the game.

“It’s not as bad as it looked, but it’s not good news,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said of LaPorta’s injury.

LaPorta became the third rookie tight end in NFL history with double-digit receiving touchdowns, joining Mike Ditka (12 in 1961) and Rob Gronkowski (10 in 2010).

The Lions selected LaPorta with the 34th pick of the NFL draft out of Iowa.

He was recently named to the Pro Bowl, becoming the second rookie tight end in team history to make a Pro Bowl, joining Charlie Sanders (1968).

In addition, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and LaPorta became the first pair of rookie teammates in NFL history to each score 10 or more touchdowns in a season. Gibbs, the No. 12 pick out of Alabama, scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter.

The Lions tied the single-season franchise record with their 12th win, matching the 1991 team.

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