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Sam LaPorta injury update: Detroit Lions TE sprains ankle vs. Cardinals in Week 3

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta suffered a sprained right ankle, according to head coach Dan Campbell.

LaPorta was carted to the locker room just before halftime, returned to the game, and limped off several times in the Lions' 20-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon in Week 3 of the NFL season.

LaPorta gingerly walked off the field after the Lions' third touchdown just before halftime on a hook-and-ladder play. He was blocking near the goal line as Jahmyr Gibbs scored, and he was upended by a Cardinals defender. LaPorta was shown on the Fox broadcast being carted to the locker room during the ensuing kickoff.

He was back in on the Lions' first possession of the third quarter. But after running across the formation and blocking on the second play, he limped off to the sideline and was on the bench with an ice pack around his right ankle and ruled questionable to return. He was replaced by backup Brock Wright.

LaPorta returned to the game but limped off after several other snaps. He did not make another reception and finished with two catches for 36 yards on two targets. He has eight catches for 94 yards through three games.

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An injury affects fantasy football, with LaPorta ranked among the league's top tight ends despite his slow start to the season.

The Lions suffered numerous injuries in the first half. Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold hurt his knee on the Arizona Cardinals' first drive, but returned to the game.

Linebacker Derrick Barnes was carted off the field in the second quarter with a knee injury and ruled out, defensive tackle Alim McNeill exited early with a shoulder injury, and defensive back Brian Branch injured his neck on a dangerous fourth-quarter hit.

The Lions were already down linebacker and captain Alex Anzalone, ruled out pregame after he suffered a concussion last week. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (Achilles/ankle) were also ruled out.

Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press covering the city's professional teams, the state's two flagship universities and more. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22, and email him at jramsey@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sam LaPorta injury update: Detroit Lions TE sprains ankle vs Cardinals