Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has undergone a procedure for a back injury, with coach Dan Campbell stating the chances of his return this season are very slim. LaPorta was placed on injured reserve last week, ruling him out for at least four games. The procedure went well, but he is expected to miss significant time.
The Detroit Lions placed tight end Sam LaPorta on injured reserve last week due to a back injury, which officially ruled him out for the team's next four games. On Friday, Lions coach Dan Campbell provided an update, revealing that LaPorta had undergone a procedure for the injury. "He had a procedure," Campbell told reporters, adding that LaPorta is "going to be out for awhile." Campbell described the chances of LaPorta returning this season as "very, very slim," though he noted the procedure went well.
LaPorta, the No. 34 overall pick out of Iowa in 2023, has been a key part of the Lions' offense in his first two seasons, never missing more than one game. As a rookie, he caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. This season, in nine games before the injury, LaPorta recorded 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns. His standout performance came three weeks ago in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings, where he caught six of eight targets for 97 yards and a touchdown.
With LaPorta's extended absence, the Lions will rely on tight ends Brock Wright and Ross Dwelley to fill the void. Detroit uses 11 personnel (one tight end) 55.2% of the time and 12 personnel (two tight ends) 29.8% of the time, according to SumerSports. The team still boasts offensive firepower from running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, but quarterback Jared Goff will miss his big target.
The Lions face the New York Giants at Ford Field on Sunday.