He Won’t Be Back”: Lions Deliver Crushing Injury News Ahead of Week 12

The Detroit Lions are reeling after a grinding 16–9 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, a loss that dropped them to 6–4 and left them sitting third in the NFC North. Now, their offense has absorbed an even bigger hit: one of their cornerstone players is done for the season.

In a move that shocked both supporters and league observers, Detroit placed standout tight end Sam LaPorta on injured reserve following a procedure on his back — an issue serious enough to cast doubt on whether he’ll play again this year. The announcement seemingly came out of thin air, leaving fans stunned and the organization scrambling for answers. With no firm timetable, uncertainty now overshadows Detroit’s offensive plans.

LaPorta’s Back Injury Leads to IR Stint

The Lions confirmed on November 15, 2025, that LaPorta would head to injured reserve due to a back problem. By rule, he’ll miss a minimum of four games, but team insiders have hinted that this may be more than a short-term absence. The lack of clarity around his condition has only fueled concern.

How the Injury Happened

LaPorta’s back pain reportedly began in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, a game in which he logged five receptions for 53 yards. He was held out of every practice the following week and eventually ruled out on game day. What’s unsettled fans is that there was no obvious hit or play tied to the injury — no dramatic moment that explained the setback — making diagnosis and recovery projections far murkier.

Detroit’s Roster Shuffle

With LaPorta shelved, the Lions have begun reworking their depth chart. They elevated interior offensive lineman Michael Niese and promoted receivers Tom Kennedy and Jackson Meeks to the active roster.

Brock Wright is now expected to take over the TE1 role, with Ross Dwelley backing him up. Head coach Dan Campbell praised Wright’s flexibility, pointing to his blocking, route-running, and special-teams value as reasons the staff trusts him to handle the expanded workload.

In an interesting wrinkle, Detroit has also been training Meeks — normally a wide receiver — to fill hybrid tight end or H-back duties. Campbell noted that Meeks’ physical traits and effort level make him a viable candidate to help plug the gap LaPorta leaves behind.

Campbell’s Tone: Hopeful but Uncertain

Speaking to reporters, Campbell tried to remain optimistic, saying he hopes LaPorta’s back “settles down.” Still, he admitted he has no certainty about when the young tight end might return — or if he will come back at all this season. He emphasized that the team is taking the situation “day-to-day, week-to-week,” suggesting the reality could be far more long-term than the basic IR designation implies.

LaPorta’s 2025 Production Before the Setback

Before going down, LaPorta was one of Detroit’s most consistent offensive weapons. Over nine games, he tallied 40 catches, 489 yards, and three touchdowns, making him quarterback Jared Goff’s No. 2 target behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. His role extended beyond receiving, as he was a key component in Detroit’s two-tight-end packages and red-zone schemes.

Impact on the Lions’ Offense

LaPorta’s loss is a major strategic blow. Without him, Detroit loses a reliable chain-mover and touchdown threat, forcing the coaching staff to rethink the offensive structure. Wright and Dwelley will see increased responsibility, while Meeks may be deployed in creative ways to fill the void.

If LaPorta’s recovery drags beyond the required four weeks, Detroit could shift toward heavier wide-receiver usage and more three-receiver formations. Back injuries are notoriously unpredictable, raising the stakes as the Lions try to maintain playoff momentum in a tight NFC race.

Sam LaPorta’s unexpected sidelining casts a heavy shadow over the Lions’ season. Although the IR minimum sets a four-game absence, the vague nature of his back issue suggests that Detroit might be preparing for a far longer stretch without him. For now, the Lions must adapt quickly and hope their star tight end can return before the season slips away.