NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Detroit Lions may have lost one of their best offensive weapons of the season.
Lions star Sam LaPorta unlikely to return this season after back surgery, head coach Dan Campbell said at his press conference Friday.
“I think we’ll be lucky if we have a chance to get him back before the end of the season,” Campbell said. “I think it's very, very subtle.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS RESOURCES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on September 22, 2025. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“The good news is that the procedure went very well in the long term.”
The loss of LaPorta is huge for the Lions' potent offense. The 24-year-old had another successful season with 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine games.
GIANTS ELIMINATE JAXSON DART FOR GAME VS. LIONS; JAMIS WINSTON GETS SECOND CONSECTIVE START
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta runs with the ball after the catch as Washington Commanders defensive end Jeremy Reaves (39) defends during the first half in Landover, Maryland, November 9, 2025. (Nick Wass/AP Photo)
The Pro Bowl tight end is second on the team in receptions – Amon-Ra St. Brown leads with 66 – and third on the team in receiving yards behind St. Brown's 735 yards and Jameson Williams' 562. Backup tight end Brock Wright will play a more prominent role in LaPorta's absence.
LaPorta has been an instant contributor since being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Iowa. In 42 games over three seasons, LaPorta has 186 receptions for 889 yards and 20 touchdowns and is a reliable option at quarterback. Jared Goff.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Combine FOX One and FOX Nation to stream the entire FOX Nation library, plus live FOX news, sports and entertainment for the lowest price of the year. Offer ends January 4, 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)
The Lions fell to 6-4 after a 16-9 loss to the team. Philadelphia Eagles, a game in which LaPorta did not play and is not included in the playoffs.
They'll look to get back on track when they take on the lowly New York Giants (2-9) on Sunday at 1:00 pm ET.
Follow Fox News Digital sports reporting on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
