Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell continues to give relatively optimisitc updates on Sam LaPorta’s injury.

The status of Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta remains up in the air, but coach Dan Campbell continues to give optimistic updates on the rookie weapon.

“He’s improving,” Campbell said. “He was out there at walkthrough. I don’t foresee us knowing anything or feeling like we have a really good picture until probably Friday afternoon. But every day we’re going to do more with him. He’s improving.”

LaPorta suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in the team’s regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Initial reports seemed to suggest LaPorta would be out for at least a game or two, but Campbell has left the door open for LaPorta to play in Sunday night’s NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams all week.

After the Vikings game, he noted how they got more optimistic news than they were expecting, and on Monday he gave LaPorta an “outside shot” at playing this week.

LaPorta has been an essential part of the Lions offense this season. His impact as a receiving weapon has been obvious—ranking second in the team in receptions (86) and receiving yards (889), and tied for the most receiving touchdowns (10). However, his role is much bigger than that. He’s also a key part of their run blocking and pass protection plans. Only Jared Goff, a few offensive linemen, and Amon-Ra St. Brown have played more offensive snaps than the rookie tight end.

It’s unclear how good LaPorta will have to feel to get the green light to play this weekend, but Campbell put it pretty succinctly.

“If we don’t feel like he can help us, then there’s no need having him,” Campbell said.

The Lions’ first practice of the week takes place on Wednesday afternoon. We’ll see if LaPorta will take place in it shortly.