Sam LaPorta lands on IR in tough Lions injury blow

Jared Goff will be without one of his most trusted targets for at least the next four games.

Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta was placed on injured reserve Saturday by the Lions with a back injury, and he will be sidelined beginning with this week’s game against the Eagles.

LaPorta, who has registered 40 receptions this season for 489 yards, has scored 20 touchdowns in his first three NFL campaigns, including three in 2025.

His best statistical year came as a rookie in 2023, when he finished with 86 catches for 889 yards with 10 scores.

Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions dives after a catch against the Washington Commanders in the first quarter of a game at Northwest Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. Getty Images

Brock Wright (nine receptions this season) and Ross Dwelley (zero) are the other tight ends presently on the Lions’ roster.

LaPorta, a second-round pick out of Iowa in 2023, ranks second on the Lions (6-3) in both receptions and receiving yards this season — behind standout receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (64-693) in both categories.

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Detroit also released defensive lineman Pat O’Connor and signed offensive lineman Michael Niese to the 53-man roster on Saturday, with receivers Tom Kennedy and Jackson Meeks elevated from the practice squad.