Sam LaPorta injury update: Lions get massive bad news on Pro Bowler's status for Week 12 game vs. Giants

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is potentially out for the rest of the season. This follows a confirmation by Lions head coach Dan Campbell that the player underwent back surgery. Campbell added that his chances of resuming action this season following the procedure are very slim.

The coach said:

“I think we should be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season. I think that’s very, very slim. The good news is the procedure went really well long-term.”

The 24-year-old tight end was initially ruled out of the Lions’ clash with the Philadelphia Eagles, getting placed on the injured reserve. He had missed an entire week of practice before the team announced on Saturday that he would be on the injured reserve list.

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Sam LaPorta is third on the Lions in receiving yards, having garnered 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns. He is only behind wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

The Lions’ offensive coordinator, John Morton, underscored LaPorta’s importance during his Thursday press conference, where he said:

“I mean, he’s a hell of an all-around blocker, receiver, he can do it all. But he was really reliable on third down in the red zone, that’s the biggest thing. But his blocking on first and second down. I mean, the way he’s improved with his blocking, it’s just been awesome. So, our other guys – all the tight ends have got to step up.”

Who will fill in for Sam LaPorta in Detroit’s offense?

The Lions will have to depend a lot on tight end Brock Wright to step up in Sam LaPorta’s absence. Campbell expressed his confidence in the 26-year-old’s abilities ahead of the Eagles’ game. He said:

“Brock’s a guy we don’t talk a lot about, but he’s the jack-of-all-trades. He does everything for us—pass protect, run block, he can run some routes, he plays special teams. He’s one of the most dependable players we have on this team.”

Wright has hauled in 11 receptions for 79 yards and two scores this season. Campbell is looking beyond the numbers to see what the Notre Dame alum has to offer. He continued:

“At the end of the day, what you really need in the tight end position is versatility and smarts, and he’s got both of these—and he’s tough.”

Detroit’s next game is against the New York Giants on Sunday.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi