Detroit Lions’ Sam LaPorta tends to return against Colts

The NFL’s best offense should soon get one of the best weapons on the field back.

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said tight end Sam LaPorta is expected to return from his shoulder injury for this week’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

LaPorta injured his left shoulder in the Lions’ 26-23 win over the Houston Texans and missed last week’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“It’s questionable for LaPorta (this week),” Campbell said. “The trend is in the right direction.”

LaPorta has 25 catches for 366 yards in nine games this season after catching a record 86 passes for a 2023 NFL rookie.

Brock Wright caught his second touchdown of the season as the Lions’ No. 1 tight end against the Jaguars, and backup Shane Zylstra had a 22-yard catch on the Lions’ first offensive snap.

The Lions also activated defensive tackle Brodric Martin from injured reserve on Wednesday, signed safety Kaevon Merriweather to the practice squad and released safety Erick Hallett from the practice squad.

Defensive line coach Terrell Williams said Martin was the team’s scout player of the week last week, but will have to earn a spot in the Lions’ defensive line rotation.

“You know the standard that (Aaron Glenn) and Dan have set here, so you have to compete for a job,” Williams said. “You don’t just come in and join the lineup and see how the week goes and go from there. But I like where he is right now.”

Dave Birkett will sign copies of his new book, “Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline” from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Troy Sports Card Show at the Balkan American Community Center. Order your copy here. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram on @davebirkett.