The Detroit Lions lost rookie sensation Sam LaPorta to injury on Sunday, and with the tight end's availability for the playoffs in question, Zach Ertz' name immediately began to circulate as a potential replacement.
Ertz already has a connection to this Detroit coaching staff. His position coach with the Arizona Cardinals, Steve Heiden, holds the same role under Lions head coach Dan Campbell, courtesy of NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
That should, at least in theory, cut down on the learning curve to integrate Ertz into the high-powered Lions offense quickly.
LaPorta left just before halftime of the Lions' Week 18 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Although not as bad as initially feared, LaPorta is expected to miss time.
Ertz a ready-made Lions replacement?
If the Lions do decide to go outside the organization to replace LaPorta in the short-term, Ertz would seem to make a lot of sense. It's rare for a player of his stature to be active and without a team at this point in the season.
Ertz appeared in seven games for the Cardinals this season, logging 27 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown.
A quad injury landed Ertz on the injured reserve in late October. He eventually requested, and was granted, his release in order to join a contending team and chase a second Super Bowl ring. The veteran won his first with the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles.
If Ertz does land in Detroit, he will have big cleats to fill. LaPorta, a rookie second-round pick out of Iowa, is tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns, and is second in receptions and receiving yards.
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