The Detroit Lions have the No. 6 offense in the NFL, but that unit suffered a major loss one day before the team’s pivotal Week 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Lions announced that All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta, who ranks fifth among all TEs in receiving yards (489), ninth in receptions (40), and 13th in touchdowns (three), was placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games.
LaPorta will miss key games against the Eagles on “Sunday Night Football,” a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the division rival Green Bay Packers in Week 13, and a “Thursday Night Football” matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, who are still fighting for a playoff spot.
The earliest the 24-year-old pass-catcher can return is Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams.
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LaPorta’s loss is a big blow to Detroit’s 10th-ranked passing offense. He currently ranks second on the team to Amon-Ra St. Brown in receptions, targets (49), and yards, and he’s third in touchdowns.
In his absence, the Lions will likely lean on backup Brock Wright, who’s the only other TE besides LaPorta to catch a pass this season. In nine appearances, Wright has nine catches on 11 targets for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
Detroit will likely elevate 28-year-old tight end Shane Zylstra from the practice squad for Sunday’s game in Philadelphia. In three seasons — all with the Lions — Zylstra has logged 15 receptions, 116 yards, and four touchdowns.
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