Lions Place Star TE Sam LaPorta on IR with Back Injury, Out Until Week 15

The Detroit Lions have placed tight end Sam LaPorta on injured reserve due to a back injury, meaning he will miss at least four games and be sidelined until at least Week 15, when the Lions face the Rams. LaPorta, a 2023 second-round pick, did not practice this week. He ranks second on the team with 40 receptions and 489 receiving yards on 49 targets, having pulled in at least five passes in four of the past five games and scoring all three of his touchdowns in that span. As a rookie, he earned second-team All-Pro honors, catching 60 passes for 726 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. Coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in Brock Wright and Ross Dwelley to step up in LaPorta's absence for the upcoming game against the Eagles, where several other Lions players will also be out.