The Detroit Lions are preparing for their Week 11 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With an 8-1 record at this point in the season, they are one of the top teams in the NFL.
Before the season began, the Lions were surrounded by Super Bowl expectations, and so far, they have lived up to the hype. They look like a legitimate championship contender.
Under the leadership of Dan Campbell, Detroit plays with intensity and unity. They play hard for each other, and even after losing star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, the team has continued to perform at a high level.
That said, they will face another challenge this week as they take on the Jaguars.
As the Lions announced on X, star tight end Sam LaPorta will miss this week’s game against Jacksonville due to a lingering shoulder injury.
LaPorta’s absence is a significant setback for the Detroit Lions’ offense.
So far in the 2024 season, LaPorta has played in nine games, catching 25 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns.
While his numbers are down from his breakout rookie season, when he caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, LaPorta remains a key contributor to the offense.
Quarterback Jared Goff will need to rely on other targets to keep the offense moving. LaPorta has been one of his go-to options since joining the team last year.
The hope is that LaPorta will be able to return in Week 12. Giving him this week to rest and heal is disappointing, but it could set him up to come back stronger for the following game.
