The Detroit Lions have the NFL's second-best offense (31.4 PPG) and look to assert themselves as the favorites in the NFC when they square off with the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. As the run game between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery has combined for 13 touchdowns on the ground, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown leads the receiving corps with 693 yards and eight TDs, tight end Sam LaPorta has once again inserted himself as one of the best receiving TEs in the league.
Although the Lions appear to be catching the Eagles at the right time on a short week after their Monday night win over the Green Bay Packers, some concerning news emerged on Thursday involving the star pass-catcher. According to Lions beat writer Kory Woods, LaPorta (back) joined cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion), safety Kerby Joseph (knee), and defensive end Pat O'Connor (knee) as players who were not visible at Thursday's practice.
Other names were absent, too, but the biggest development is definitely LaPorta's absence. He may not be the leading receiver, but with the second-most receptions (40), targets (49), and receiving yards (489) on the team, LaPorta is a valuable part of this offense and someone who could be a game-changer against an Eagles defense that gives up the 10th-fewest points in the league (21.3 PPG).
Sam LaPorta Injury News Is Not What Lions Wanted to Hear
LaPorta's importance to this team cannot be understated, given his all-around body of work. According to Pro Football Focus, he's the No. 3-graded tight end (82.0) while ranking second at his position when it comes to his receiving performance (83.2). That type of consistency has been a key reason why quarterback Jared Goff has targeted him so much and why LaPorta is tied for the fifth-most receiving yards of any TE in the NFL this season.
Head coach Dan Campbell just took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton in the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders, and the move immediately paid dividends with Gibbs and WR Jameson Williams returning to form after falling under the radar in previous weeks. With Morton taking a major step in the right direction and supporting Campbell's decision, the Lions got more of their supporting cast involved, meaning LaPorta's production would likely only go up from here if he is on the field. Now, everything is on hold.
Still, it'll be interesting to see who handles his role in the meantime. After all, fellow TE Shane Zylstra is still on injured reserve with an ankle injury, while Brock Wright and Ross Dwelley haven't exactly impressed, combining for nine catches on 12 targets for 71 yards and two touchdowns. They also reunited with veteran tight end Anthony Firkser earlier this week, but it isn't like he's a perfect LaPorta replacement, either.
With LaPorta's injury concerns, the possibility of him not being on the field or being less than 100% for a crucial NFC showdown with the Eagles on Sunday night could be a huge blow and give the Lions one less weapon on offense with so much on the line. Hopefully, his situation will rapidly improve in the coming days.