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Jared Goff will have to navigate the next stretch of games without one of his key playmakers.
Sam LaPorta, the Lions’ Pro Bowl tight end, has been placed on injured reserve due to a back injury. This move sidelines him for at least the upcoming four games, starting with the matchup against the Eagles.
LaPorta has been a significant contributor this season, amassing 40 catches for 489 yards. Over his three-year NFL career, he has notched an impressive 20 touchdowns, three of which came in the current 2025 season.
His standout rookie season in 2023 saw him achieve career highs with 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.
With LaPorta out, the Lions will rely on tight ends Brock Wright, who has nine receptions this season, and Ross Dwelley, who has yet to record a catch.
LaPorta, a second-round pick out of Iowa in 2023, ranks second on the Lions (6-3) in both receptions and receiving yards this season — behind standout receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (64-693) in both categories.
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Detroit also released defensive lineman Pat O’Connor and signed offensive lineman Michael Niese to the 53-man roster on Saturday, with receivers Tom Kennedy and Jackson Meeks elevated from the practice squad.