The Detroit Lions desperately needed a bounceback game in Week 7 after being demolished by the Kansas City Chiefs to the tune of 30-17 last time out. Through the first half, it seemed like the team had gotten the memo, and were hell-bent on executing it to a tee.
Leading 14-3, they had 275 total yards of offense in the game, while limiting the Buccaneers to under 100. But even as dominant as the team had been as a whole, the game wasn’t one to remember for Sam LaPorta, at least through the first half.
What Happened to Sam LaPorta?
One of the best tight ends in the game since arriving to the league as a second-round pick in 2023, LaPorta already had a ton of big game experience and the numbers to back up his standing in the sport.
Ranked second on PFSN’s TE Impact entering the game, he was once again solidifiying himself as the cream of the crop for tight ends in the NFL. But, against Tampa Bay, he was nowhere to be found in the first half.
Not recording a single reception on the night, he finished without any numbers on the statsheet through the first two quarters. While the team appears to be in a comfortable spot, they might want to get him into a rhyhtm in the second half.
Through six games, LaPorta has been consistently productive, totaling 324 receiving yards and two touchdowns. With the Buccaneers trying to get back in the game, the team may need to get him into the mix sooner rather than later.’
In the second half, the Lions were able to get him a little more involved in the game. But, it was still an underwhelming performance from the 2023 draft pick, as he finished the game with just three receptions for 15 yards.
Not only was the 15-yard total his worst mark of the 2025 season, but also the third-fewest yards he has had in a game since coming into the NFL, with a game against the Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears in 2024 ending with lower totals of 13 and 6 yards, respectively.
However, in that clash against the Bears, he also walked away with two touchdowns, with both his receptions in the game adding to the scoreboard for Detroit. Even without his involvement, though, the game against Tampa Bay was never really in doubt.
Unable to overcome the plethora of injuries that have plagued the roster, compounded with a blow to Mike Evans in the first half, the Bucs managed just nine points on the night, as the Lions cruised to a 15-point victory.
