Lions' LaPorta placed on IR with back injury
The Detroit Lions will be without Sam LaPorta for at least four games after placing the tight end on injured reserve Saturday.
LaPorta is dealing with a back injury and was already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 24-year-old is second on the team in receiving yards (489) and receptions (40), trailing only Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Brock Wright is slated to step in LaPorta's absence. He's caught nine passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns this season.
LaPorta has been a key fixture in the Lions' offense since being selected in the second round of the 2023 draft. Over his first two seasons, he put up 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns on 146 catches. He was named to the Pro Bowl during his rookie campaign.
The Lions sit 6-3, tied for the best record in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears.