Sam LaPorta fantasy replacements: Top 5 TEs you should trade for after Lions star's season-ending injury

Sam LaPorta fantasy managers received terrible news on Friday, when Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell announced the tight end underwent a back procedure that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season.

The third-year player sustained the injury against the Washington Commanders in Week 10. He was placed on injured reserve ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles matchup, before undergoing the surgery that ended his season.

Replacing a player of Sam LaPorta's caliber, at this point in the season, isn't easy, especially in a position with a shortage of reliable playmakers. However, there are a couple of options managers could look at.

Top 5 Sam LaPorta fantasy replacements

1. Brock Wright, Detroit Lions

This is the natural replacement for Sam LaPorta. Brock Wright saw an increase in his role against the Eagles, being targeted seven times for two receptions and eight yards. It remains to be seen how he will be used moving forward, but the Lions can put him in a position to succeed.

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2. Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears

Colston Loveland has shown that he is a more than capable tight end during his rookie season. The former Michigan Wolverine has been targeted at least four times in his last five games. Loveland has recorded 24 receptions for 329 yards and two touchdowns in nine games, passing Cole Kmet on Ben Johnson's pecking order.

3. Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans

Dalton Schultz has been a decent option for the Houston Texans, either with C.J. Stroud or David Mills under center. The veteran tight end didn't have the best performance against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday (one reception for eight yards), but he remains a reliable option. In 11 games, Schultz has caught 52 passes for 497 yards and one touchdown.

4. Theo Johnson, New York Giants

Theo Johnson has become a reliable pass catcher for the New York Giants in the absence of Malik Nabers. The tight end ranks second in volume, only behind wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. He's already surpassed his 2024 production in one less game, posting 36 receptions for 350 yards and five touchdowns.

5. Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans

Chig Okonkwo is one of those players who can show up when people least expect him to. The Tennessee Titans tight end hasn't had an easy 2025 campaign, as his team has won only one game in 10 matchups. Okonkwo has caught 32 passes for 337 yards so far this season.

Edited by Orlando Silva