Sam LaPorta’s four-game stay on injured reserve will go on even longer.
Coach Dan Campbell confirmed Friday that his star tight end underwent back surgery after he was placed on IR last week, and the chances of him returning this season are “very, very slim.”
“I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season,” Campbell told reporters. “I think that’s very, very slim.”
“The good news is the procedure went really well long-term.”
The Lions face the Giants this week in what will be their second straight game without the 24-year-old.
It’s a major blow to the Detroit offense, as LaPorta ranks third on the team in receiving yards (489) and touchdowns (3).
Fifth-year tight end Brock Wright will be tasked with filling the LaPorta gap — no small feat considering his importance to the team’s playbook.
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“I mean he’s a hell of an all-around blocker, receiver, he can do it all. But he was really reliable on third down in the red zone, that’s the biggest thing,” offense coordinator John Morton said on Thursday of LaPorta. “But his blocking on first and second down. I mean the way he’s improved with his blocking, it’s just been awesome. So, our other guys – all the tight ends have got to step up.”
