Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta appears to be done for the season after undergoing a back procedure which is likely to sideline him until 2026.
Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that there was a “slim” chance that LaPorta could be back this year, but that it would likely require a very deep postseason run for Detroit.
“I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season,” Campbell said. “I think that’s very, very slim. The good news is the procedure went really well long-term.”
The 24 year old was placed on injured reserve last week, after suffering an injury during his team’s November 9th win over the Washington Commanders. He subsequently missed his team’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles the following week, as Detroit’s offence looked disjointed without Jared Goff’s reliable safety blanket over the middle.
In his absence, Brock Wright has assumed the starting role, playing in 49 out of a possible 59 offensive snaps vs. Philadelphia. He would finish the night with a rather pedestrian 2 catches for 8 yards.
With the loss, Detroit now sits at 6-4 on the year, which puts them in 3rd place in the tightly packed NFC North division. The Lions will look to get right this weekend with a game against the New York Giants, before renewing hostilities with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, November 27th.
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