'Optimistic' Lions TE Sam LaPorta takes live practice reps Thursday

(Photo credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports)
Detroit's second-leading receiver this season sparked optimism he can play through a knee injury in Sunday's playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Sam LaPorta said he took live reps Thursday after participating in the Lions' walkthrough practice on Wednesday, a signal the record-setting rookie tight end continues to improve and progress toward taking the field in the wil