The Detroit Lions have the NFC North locked up and it’s unlikely they’ll be able to move up from the number 3 spot in the conference. So it was a little puzzling when their head coach, Dan Campbell, announced that he wouldn’t be resting his starters for a meaningless week 18 game against the Vikings.

While some coaches will tell you that they want to keep their players sharp and focused heading into the postseason, the risk of injury is far too great — especially in a violent game like football. And it looks like Dan Campbell is learning that the hard way today.

 

After going down in awkward fashion following a first-half reception, rookie superstar tight end Sam LaPorta had to be carted to the locker room with what appeared to be a serious leg injury.

To absolutely no one’s surprise, it took social media little time to jump all over Campbell for his questionable decision.

 

LaPorta was in the midst of a historic season, as earlier in the game he had joined Rob Gronkowski and Mike Ditka as the only tight ends in NFL history to catch 10 or more touchdowns in their rookie season.

With the Lions set to host their first playoff game in forever next week, morale was high in Detroit entering the postseason. But now it appears as though they won’t have one of their biggest offensive weapons as a result of their head coach’s questionable decision making.

Don’t be surprised if we get another Dan Campbell blow-up once reporters grill him for his latest miscue.