The Detroit Lions ' depth at tight end has quickly become the biggest storyline the Lions need to navigate during the most crucial part of the NFL season.

Detroit's Pro Bowl pass-catcher Sam LaPorta was placed on injured reserve on November 15 with a back injury that sidelined him after Week 11 versus the Philadelphia Eagles, guaranteeing that he would miss at least the next four games.

This had put the earliest realistic return at Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams, though things took a turn for the worse on Friday.

Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that LaPorta had surgery on his back, but added that the chances of him returning this year are "very, very slim."

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