Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) makes a catch against Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) during the first half at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

The Detroit Lions are looking to get back on track in a competitive NFC North race after their "Sunday Night Football" loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11.

Seven days after dominating the Washington Commanders 44-22, Detroit managed a season-low nine points in Philadelphia. They're back home in Week 12 and host the New York Giants in the first of three consecutive games at Ford Field.

They missed tight end Sam LaPorta in Week 11 and, from what coach Dan Campbell said today, that'll be the case for the foreseeable future.

"He did have a procedure and he'll be out for a while," Campbell said. "I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season ... I think that's very, very slim.

"Good news is the procedure went really well, long term."

LaPorta had only missed one game in his NFL career prior to this season. He was on pace for a career-high in yards in his third NFL season after the Lions drafted him in the second round, No. 34 overall.

Detroit enters Week 12 at 6-4 but third in the NFC North race. Chicago leads at 7-3 with Green Bay splitting the two at 6-3-1. A win over the Giants this week while Chicago faces Pittsburgh and Green Bay hosts Minnesota could give the Lions a leg up in the divisional race.

Here's what happened to LaPorta – and who the Lions have to replace him.

What happened to Sam LaPorta?

LaPorta suffered a back injury during the team's win over Washington in Week 10. That kept him out of practice all week ahead of the Lions-Eagles game in Week 11 and subsequently required surgery.

Sam LaPorta stats

LaPorta's third season in the NFL will be cut short after nine games. Here's how he did during the season:

  • Targets: 49
  • Catches: 40
  • Receiving yards: 489
  • Receiving touchdowns: 3

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is the only Lions player to outpace LaPorta in all of these categories. Fellow wideout Jameson Williams is ahead of him in receiving touchdowns with five but with fewer catches and yards.

Lions TE depth chart

  • Brock Wright
  • Ross Dwelley
  • Zach Horton (practice squad)
  • Anthony Firkser (practice squad)

Campbell expressed confidence in Wright's ability to take on a bigger workload. He said the fifth-year pro is a "jack-of-all-trades" who is "one of the most dependable players" on the team.

Dwelley signed with the Lions after training camp cuts and was brought up to the active roster in September. Horton or Firkser may be promoted to the active roster as well with LaPorta likely out for the season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sam LaPorta injury update: When Dan Campbell says Lions TE will return

Reporting by Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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