Sam LaPorta Injury: Lions Tight End Will Be Out at Least Four Games After Move to IR

The Lions will be without a key receiving threat for at least four weeks.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta makes a catch against the Minnesota Vikings. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Lions will be down one of their top receiving threats when they face off against the Eagles on Sunday night in Philadelphia.

On Saturday, the team announced that tight end Sam LaPorta would be heading to the IR due to a back injury. The move means Detroit will be without him for at least four weeks.

Lions announce roster moves:

Released DL Pat O’Connor with an Injury Settlement.

Placed TE Sam LaPorta on Reserved/Injured.

Signed OL Michael Niese to the Active Roster from the Practice Squad.

Elevated WR Tom Kennedy and WR Jackson Meeks from the Practice Squad to the… pic.twitter.com/9tL2sW9gwh

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 15, 2025

The Lions were already dealing with a pretty big list of injuries heading into Sunday’s game, but LaPorta’s absence might hit the hardest. Without him on the field, it will be up to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams to play to their full superstar potential, and should open up some opportunities for the likes of backup tight end Brock Wright and receiver Isaac TeSlaa.

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