The Detroit Lions now have a big issue at a crucial time in their season. Their tight end depth is a concern after Sam LaPorta was placed on injured reserve on November 15 with a back injury. He got hurt in Week 11 against the Eagles, and the team said the earliest he could return is Week 15.

That timeline now looks shaky. Dan Campbell offered a blunt update on Friday and did not hide his concern. “I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season at some point,” Campbell said. “I think that’s very, very slim.”

LaPorta had not practiced all week before the loss to Philadelphia, and the staff felt the situation demanded the IR move.

Lions Look For Answers Without LaPorta

LaPorta kept Detroit’s offense steady since he entered the league in 2023. As

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