The Detroit Lions are reeling after a tough 16–9 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, a result that dropped them to 6–4 and third place in the NFC North. Now, the team has been hit with even worse news: one of their most important offensive players is done for the year.

Sam LaPorta’s Season in Jeopardy After Back Procedure

In a move that blindsided the fanbase, the Lions announced on November 15, 2025, that standout tight end Sam LaPorta has been placed on injured reserve due to a significant back issue that required a procedure. While the IR designation forces him to sit out a minimum of four games, the team admitted that his status for the rest of the season — and potentially into 2025 — is highly uncertain.

The injury wasn’t tied to a dramatic hit or obvious moment. Instead, the problem surfaced after Detroit’s Week 10 matchup with Washington, where LaPorta caught five passes for 53 yards. He didn’t practice afterward and was eventually ruled out, leading to questions about the severity and origin of the injury.

Detroit Scrambles to Reshape the Offense

With LaPorta unavailable, the Lions have reshuffled their depth chart. The team signed interior lineman Michael Niese to the active roster and elevated wide receivers Tom Kennedy and Jackson Meeks.

At tight end, Brock Wright is expected to assume the starting role, with Ross Dwelley serving as the No. 2 option. Head coach Dan Campbell highlighted Wright’s ability to handle multiple responsibilities — blocking, pass catching, and special teams — which the Lions will need more than ever.

A surprising twist: Detroit has begun training Jackson Meeks, normally a wide receiver, to take on tight end or H-back assignments. Campbell praised Meeks’ build and work ethic, calling him a legitimate candidate to help soften the blow of LaPorta’s absence.

Dan Campbell: Hopeful But Unsure

Campbell addressed LaPorta’s situation cautiously, saying he’s hopeful the tight end’s back will respond well to treatment. But in the same breath, he admitted he has “no idea” when — or even if — LaPorta might return this season. He stressed that the team will evaluate the situation “day by day” and “week by week,” a sign that this injury is anything but straightforward.

LaPorta’s Value Before the Injury

Before being sidelined, LaPorta was a major focal point in Detroit’s offense. In the first nine games of the season, he totaled 40 catches, 489 yards, and three touchdowns, making him Jared Goff’s second-most targeted player behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. His ability to work in both single and dual-tight-end sets made him critical to Detroit’s scheme.

Impact on the Lions’ Season

Losing a player of LaPorta’s caliber forces Detroit to rethink how it attacks defenses. Without his reliability in the red zone and his versatility in the passing game, the Lions may need to rely more heavily on their receivers and incorporate additional three-wide formations.

If LaPorta’s recovery drags out — a very real possibility given the nature of back injuries — the Lions’ offense could face prolonged inconsistency during a crucial stretch of the season.

Sam LaPorta’s move to IR casts a long shadow over Detroit’s postseason ambitions. Though the four-game minimum sets the earliest possible return point, the uncertainty surrounding his back injury suggests the Lions may be preparing to finish the season without him. For now, Detroit must adapt quickly and hope that their promising young tight end heals sooner rather than later.