The Detroit Lions’ offensive concerns hit a new low during their 16–9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. While the team was already dealing with the absence of star tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit’s performance without him highlighted just how serious the TE situation has become.
LaPorta’s placement on injured reserve forced the Lions to turn to backup Brock Wright as their primary tight end. But after Wright’s disappointing showing in Week 11, Detroit may have no choice but to reevaluate every option available until LaPorta becomes eligible to return in mid-December.
Brock Wright Delivers Concerning Performance on SNF
Advanced analytics only confirmed what fans saw on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, Wright posted the fifth-worst offensive grade on the Lions, finishing with a rating of 51.2.
Wright was targeted seven times by quarterback Jared Goff but managed to catch just two passes for eight total yards. With Detroit needing reliable production from the position, those numbers fall well short of expectations. The drop-off with LaPorta sidelined was clear and costly.
Lions Running Out of Tight End Solutions
With the NFL trade deadline gone and the free-agent tight end market extremely thin, head coach Dan Campbell may be forced to look internally for help.
The best in-house option would be Shane Zylstra, but he remains on injured reserve with no 21-day practice window opened yet after his September ankle injury.
That leaves Detroit with only one realistic immediate option: promote a tight end from the practice squad.
Could Anthony Firkser Be Detroit’s Next Man Up?
If the Lions elevate someone for Week 12, veteran tight end Anthony Firkser is the most likely candidate. The former Harvard standout has:
78 career NFL games
115 receptions
1,207 receiving yards
5 touchdowns
While far from a perfect replacement for LaPorta, Firkser at least brings proven experience. And based on Wright’s Sunday night performance, Detroit might need that stability now more than ever.
Bottom Line
The Sam LaPorta injury has put Detroit in a difficult position, and Brock Wright’s SNF struggles only magnified the problem. With a key stretch of games ahead and limited external options, the Lions may be forced to explore practice-squad solutions until their star tight end returns.
