Lions TE LaPorta Has Back Surgery, Unlikely to Return

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta underwent back surgery earlier this week and is unlikely to return for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season, head coach Dan Campbell announced Friday in Allen Park, Michigan. The procedure followed LaPorta's placement on injured reserve on November 15 after he sustained the injury during the team's Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders on November 9.

Campbell described the slim chances of LaPorta's return during a press conference, stating, "I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season, at some point. I think that's very, very slim." He added that the surgery went well in terms of LaPorta's long-term health, offering some optimism beyond the current campaign. LaPorta, who turns 25 in January, had been a cornerstone of the Lions' offense, recording 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns through 10 games this season. His contributions ranked him second on the team in catches and made him a primary target in the red zone and on third downs.

The injury's timing compounds challenges for Detroit, which enters Week 12 with a 6-4 record and hosts the 2-9 New York Giants on Sunday at Ford...