ALLEN PARK — The wildcard home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams excites Lions coach Dan Campbell. No surprise there. He lives for this.
The coach loves that the Rams are a hot team – they’ve won seven of their last eight. They are also a team the LIons haven’t faced since 2021, a regular season loss in L.A.
“I like that, I like the newness of it,’’ Campbell said on Monday.
The Lions wrapped up the regular season with a 30-20 win over the Vikings on Sunday at Ford Field and a 12-5 record. They clinched the NFC North title a few weeks ago.
“It’s been fun, but this is when it gets really fun. This is why you do, this is why you coach, why you play for these moments right here,’’ Campbell said.
While he is more into game-planning he certainly does understand the underlying storyline of Matthew Stafford returning to Detroit and Goff facing his former team. Oh, and GM Brad Holmes came to Detroit via the Rams.
The coach gets it.
“It’s a reminder too, though, and Goff knows this, for example. We win as a team,’’ Campbell said. “This is about the Lions vs. the Rams. We win with three phases here and he’s a huge part of that and all he has to do is his part and he knows that, do what he’s been doing all year.’’
Injury update
Tight end Sam LaPorta has an outside shot at playing on Sunday, according to Campbell. They will know more in 48 hours. LaPorta left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. The coach said he is talking days, not weeks.
Immediately after the game, Campbell said LaPorta’s injury wasn’t as bad as it looked. It would be a boost if he can get in against the Rams.
The coach also said WR/PR Kalif Raymond (knee) is basically in the same situation as LaPorta although maybe a little behind.
WR Jameson Williams, who did not play Sunday due to an ankle injury and illness, is expected back at practice this week and should be ready to play against the Rams.
LB James Houston (ankle) will practice, but it’s unclear if he’ll be ready to go. TE Brock Wright (hip) could also practice this week after missing a month of play.
Also, DE John Cominsky was inactive Sunday because Campbell wanted to give him a rest. Said he’d put on a lot of hard miles this season with all the dirty work he does.
NEXT UP: Los Angeles Rams (10-7) at Detroit Lions (12-5), 8 p.m. on Sunday at Ford Field in the wildcard playoff game.
Lions Lowdown 