Detroit Lions Tight End Sam LaPorta Ruled Out For Week 11
UPDATE: Sam LaPorta was placed on IR on Saturday. He will be sidelined for a minimum of four games.
Hold your fantasy football lineups, Lions fans. That collective groan you just heard was the sound of Detroit officially ruling out star Tight End Sam LaPorta for Sunday’s clash against the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a gut punch, no two ways about it. LaPorta, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, has been battling a back injury and hasn’t seen the practice field all week.
The 24-year-old has been a reliable target for Jared Goff, racking up 489 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, making him second on the team in yardage. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the offense, and you can bet the Eagles’ defense is breathing a little easier today.
LaPorta Sidelined: What’s Next For the Lions?
So, who steps up when your stud tight end is in street clothes? Head Coach Dan Campbell, in his typical cool-as-a-cucumber fashion, isn’t hitting the panic button. His confidence seems to be squarely placed on the shoulders of Brock Wright.
“My confidence level is ‘sky high’ in Brock,” Campbell said. Now, that’s either some classic coach-speak to rally the troops or he knows something we don’t. Maybe both.
Campbell praised Wright as the team’s “jack of all trades.” He’s a guy who does the dirty work—run blocking, pass protection, special teams—without much of the glory. He’s not LaPorta, and nobody expects him to be. But the Lions need him to be dependable, a steady hand in a turbulent moment. Can he rise to the occasion on a big stage against a tough Eagles squad? The fate of a few drives might just depend on it.
Injury Woes Pile Up For Detroit
Unfortunately, the bad news doesn’t stop with LaPorta. The injury report is looking more like a MAS*H unit call sheet. The Lions also ruled out All-Pro Safety Kerby Joseph, who will miss his fourth straight game with a nagging knee injury. Adding to the secondary’s troubles, Cornerback Terrion Arnold is out with a concussion.
That’s three key starters sidelined for a crucial NFC showdown. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a team trying to build on its recent success. For the Lions, it’s next man up. For the fans, it’s time to cross your fingers, hold your breath, and maybe say a little prayer to the football gods.
