Lions’ top offensive weapon unlikely to return this season after undergoing back surgery

The Detroit Lions could have lost one of their main offensive weapons of the season.

Lions star tight end Sam LaPorta is unlikely to return this season after undergoing back surgery, head coach Dan Campbell said during his news conference on Friday.

“I think we’d be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season,” Campbell said. “I think that’s very, very thin.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON News

Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on September 22, 2025. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

“The good news is that the procedure went very well in the long term.”

The loss of LaPorta is huge for a potent Lions offense. The 24-year-old was in the midst of another strong season with 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine games.

GIANTS DISCARD JAXSON DART FOR GAME VS. LIONS; JAMEIS WINSTON GETS SECOND CONSECUTIVE START

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta runs with the ball after catching it as Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) defends during the first half in Landover, Maryland, on Nov. 9, 2025. (Nick Wass/AP Photo)

The Pro Bowl tight end is second on the team in receptions (Amon-Ra St. Brown leads with 66) and is third in receiving yards behind St. Brown’s 735 and Jameson Williams’ 562. Backup tight end Brock Wright will take on a more prominent role in LaPorta’s absence.

LaPorta has become an instant contributor since being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Iowa. In 42 games over three seasons, LaPorta has 186 receptions for 889 yards and 20 touchdowns and is a reliable option for quarterback Jared Goff.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP

Combine News One and News Nation to stream the entire News Nation library, plus live News, sports and entertainment at our lowest price of the year. Offer ends January 4, 2026. (News One; News Nation)

The Lions fell to 6-4 after a 16-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, a game in which LaPorta did not play and they are out of the playoff picture.

They will look to get back on track when they play the lowly New York Giants (2-9) on Sunday at 1 pm ET.

Follow News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the News Sports Huddle newsletter.