The Detroit Lions suffered a significant setback on offense just a day before their crucial Week 11 showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite boasting the league’s sixth-ranked offensive unit, Detroit will be without one of its most important playmakers for an extended stretch.
The team revealed that All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta has been moved to injured reserve. LaPorta, who is among the NFL’s top tight ends this season—fifth in receiving yards (489), ninth in catches (40), and 13th in touchdowns (3)—will now be forced to miss at least four games.
His absence means he’ll be sidelined not only for the Eagles matchup on Sunday Night Football, but also for Detroit’s Thanksgiving meeting with the Green Bay Packers in Week 13 and a Week 14 Thursday Night Football contest against the Dallas Cowboys, who remain in the postseason hunt. The soonest LaPorta could rejoin the lineup is Week 15 when the Lions face the Los Angeles Rams.
Losing LaPorta is a major blow to a passing attack currently ranked tenth in the NFL. He trails only Amon-Ra St. Brown on the team in receptions, targets (49), and receiving yards, and ranks third in touchdown catches.
With their star tight end out, the Lions are expected to rely more heavily on Brock Wright, the only other Detroit tight end with a reception this season. Wright has recorded nine catches for 71 yards and two scores across nine games. The team is also anticipated to elevate Shane Zylstra from the practice squad. Zylstra, 28, has accumulated 15 receptions, 116 yards, and four touchdowns over his three seasons—all with Detroit.
