The Detroit Lions’ offense changed the moment Sam LaPorta grabbed his back against Washington in Week 10. Now, with December here and the playoffs looming, the reality for Detroit is becoming clear: their Pro Bowl tight end likely isn’t walking through that door anytime soon.
After placing LaPorta on injured reserve on Nov. 15, the team has shifted its focus from a quick return to a long-term recovery plan.
What Is the Latest on Sam LaPorta’s Injury?
LaPorta hasn’t played since exiting the Week 10 win, missing Weeks 11–14 while on injured reserve. While he technically became eligible to return for Week 15, that door slammed shut when head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the tight end underwent back surgery in late November. The procedure addressed the issue but effectively derailed his 2025 campaign.
Campbell didn’t mince words about the situation, making it clear that fans shouldn’t expect a miracle comeback.
“I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season,” Dan Campbell said, per ESPN. “I think that’s very, very slim.”
The coaching staff has pivoted to life without their top tight end, acknowledging the hole his absence leaves in the offensive structure. However, there is a silver lining for the franchise’s future. Campbell noted that the surgery was successful, which sets the stage for a full recovery in the long term.
“The good news is the procedure went really well long-term,” Campbell said.
A regular-season return in 2025 seems off the table. Medical timelines for this type of back surgery typically run 8 to 12 weeks, which pushes a potential recovery well past the Week 15 eligibility window. This aligns perfectly with Campbell’s downbeat assessment.
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If LaPorta plays again this season, it would likely be during a deep postseason run. A return would require the Lions to advance deep into January, giving LaPorta enough time to hit recovery milestones. Even then, he would need to be designated for return and survive a ramp-up period during the most intense weeks of the year.
The Lions haven’t opened his 21-day practice window yet, which is the first necessary step for activation. Until that happens, LaPorta remains on IR with no immediate path to the field. If he doesn’t make it back for the playoffs, he will look toward 2026, the final year of his rookie contract, to re-establish himself.
How Are the Lions Handling Tight End Depth?
Detroit has been forced to get creative with its personnel. The team has leaned more heavily on its wide receivers to pick up the slack, redistributing targets that previously went to the tight end position.
The situation at tight end has gotten complicated beyond just LaPorta. Brock Wright is dealing with a neck issue, and the roster has seen movement with Ross Dwelley, as well as potential opportunities for Shane Zylstra. These depth pieces are trying to fill a Pro Bowl-sized void, but the offense has clearly had to adjust its identity in the month of December.
Fans keeping an eye on the situation should watch for the midweek practice reports. Unless LaPorta gets designated to return, the status quo holds. As Campbell warned, the chances of seeing No. 87 again this season remain “very, very slim.”
Detroit Lions’ Stats and Insights for Week 15
Team: After the Rams game, the Detroit Lions play the Steelers in Week 16 in the final home game of the regular season. They finish with games in Minnesota and Chicago.
QB: Including playoffs, Jared Goff has three touchdown passes and three interceptions against the Rams. He has a QBi grade of C- or better in all three games.
Offense: Jahmyr Gibbs recorded a PFSN Running Back Impact score (RBi) of 80.2 (B-) against the Cowboys in Week 14. It’s the sixth time he has finished in the top eight weekly grades, and he is fourth overall in RBi on the season.
Defense: The Lions are 5-0 when forcing at least two turnovers; they are 3-5 when having fewer than two.
Fantasy: David Montgomery is averaging 12.4 PPG in Lions wins against 8.9 PPG in losses. The Lions are touchdown underdogs in L.A. this week.