As Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy managers are closely monitoring Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta amidst injury concerns. LaPorta’s potential matchup against Washington’s vulnerable defense could make him a league-winning start.

Despite nursing a minor knee sprain, LaPorta participated fully in Thursday’s practice, signaling likely availability. His chemistry with Jared Goff and red-zone dominance (28% target share) remains elite, though DFS players should monitor pre-game reports.

With tight ends scarce across fantasy leagues, LaPorta’s 6.3 targets per game position him as a must-play in all formats. Washington’s defense has surrendered touchdowns to TEs in three consecutive games, creating perfect conditions for a breakout performance.

Sam LaPorta Week 5 Fantasy Outlook: Injury Update, Start/Sit Advice, and DFS Picks Against Washington’s Defense

Sam LaPorta’s Injury Status and Week 5 Availability

The Detroit Lions have provided cautious optimism regarding tight end Sam LaPorta’s availability for Week 5 against the Washington Commanders. After suffering a knee sprain in Week 3, LaPorta returned to limited practice this week, with full participation on Thursday before getting rested on Friday. The Lions’ medical staff has cleared him for game action, though his snap count may be managed early.

Through four games this season, LaPorta has established himself as Jared Goff’s security blanket with 18 receptions for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns. His red-zone chemistry with Goff remains elite, converting 28% of his targets inside the 20-yard line. While listed as questionable, all signs point to him playing through the injury.

LaPorta’s practice participation tells the real story here. When a player goes from limited to full back to limited on a short week, it’s usually just caution rather than setback. His 90% might be better than most tight ends’ 100% against this Washington defense.

Practice Participation Breakdown

• Wednesday: Limited (Knee)
• Thursday: Full Participation
• Friday: Limited (Rest)

Fantasy Football Analysis: Should You Start Sam LaPorta in Week 5?

The tight end landscape in 2025 fantasy football makes LaPorta an automatically valuable asset when healthy. Despite the injury designation, he ranks as a top-8 TE option this week due to his consistent target share (6.3 per game) and Washington’s defensive struggles against the position.

Washington has allowed touchdowns to tight ends in three consecutive games and ranks bottom-5 in fantasy points allowed to the position. LaPorta’s ability to create separation against linebackers and safeties matches up perfectly against this defensive weakness.

This is exactly the type of matchup where you roll the dice on a slightly injured player. Washington hasn’t shown any ability to cover athletic tight ends, and LaPorta’s route-running sophistication should carve them up even at less than 100%.

DFS Strategy: Optimizing Sam LaPorta in Your Lineups

At $6,200 on DraftKings, LaPorta presents excellent value as a mid-range tight end with top-5 upside. His likely lower ownership due to injury concerns makes him a strong tournament play, especially when stacked with Jared Goff ($7,100).

The Lions-Commanders game carries a healthy 48-point over/under with Detroit as 3-point favorites, suggesting ample scoring opportunities. For those building around LaPorta:

Optimal DFS Building Blocks With LaPorta

1. Pair with one premium RB ($8k+)
2. Stack with Goff for correlation
3. Add a Commanders WR as bring-back
4. Differentiate with Jameson Williams

Don’t overthink the injury discount here. The public will fade LaPorta because of the questionable tag, making him the perfect GPP leverage play. His $1,500 savings versus Kelce lets you upgrade elsewhere.

Injury Alternatives: Backup Plans If LaPorta Sits

While all signs point to LaPorta playing, fantasy managers should have contingency plans. Rookie Colby Parkinson would assume TE1 duties but lacks LaPorta’s target certainty. Better waiver wire alternatives include:

• Hunter Henry (vs MIA) – 83% snap share, red zone threat
• Cade Otton (vs KC) – Top-12 in TE targets
• Noah Fant (vs NYG) – Increased role with Dissly injured

Historical Context: LaPorta’s Development Profile

Examining LaPorta’s combine metrics reveals why he’s outperformed his draft position (34th overall in 2023). His athletic testing put him in the 89th percentile for tight ends, with particular standout numbers in the 3-cone drill (6.91 seconds, 91st percentile).

What’s most impressive isn’t the athletic numbers – it’s how the Lions have developed his route-running. They’ve transformed him from a safety valve into a complete tight end who can win at all three levels.

Final Verdict: Lock LaPorta Into Your Week 5 Lineups

All indicators suggest Sam LaPorta presents top-5 TE upside against Washington’s vulnerable defense, even if slightly limited. His elite chemistry with Goff and red-zone role provide both floor and ceiling.

For season-long leagues, he’s an automatic start over all but the elite tier of tight ends. In DFS, the injury discount creates excellent value at likely reduced ownership. Monitor pre-game reports, but plan on starting LaPorta with confidence.

This is exactly why we draft players like LaPorta – when the matchup is right and the volume is guaranteed, you can tolerate some injury risk. That Commanders defense is like catnip for athletic tight ends.