Date: November 21, 2025

The Detroit Lions just lost one of their brightest stars for what is almost certainly the rest of the season. All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta underwent back surgery, and head coach Dan Campbell says the odds of a 2025 return are “very, very slim.” For a team eyeing a strong finish, this is a gut punch. For the offense, it is a reset.

What happened and why it matters

LaPorta suffered a back injury in Week 10 and was placed on injured reserve, which meant at least a four-game absence. Now, after surgery, Campbell has made it clear that the Lions should not expect him back this year. The message is simple: prepare to finish the season without your top tight end.

Before the injury, LaPorta averaged 54.3 receiving yards per game over Detroit’s first nine games. That is high-end production at any position, but at tight end it’s a difference-maker. He is not just a safety valve. He is a core target who turns short throws into first downs and tilts coverages in the middle of the field.

“No LaPorta, no middle-of-the-field magic. How do we move the chains now?”

LaPorta’s value, by the numbers and the eye test

The number that jumps off the page is 54.3. That yards-per-game clip shows how often LaPorta was involved, and how much trust the staff had in him. Tight ends who can win on third down, beat zone looks, and block well enough to disguise play calls make life easier for everyone on offense. When that player is out, the ripple effect is real.

With LaPorta, the Lions could threaten inside seams and force linebackers to think twice. He helped create space for teammates simply by lining up. Without him, Detroit will need to be more creative with formations and motion, and more patient in the short passing game. Expect more quick throws, more receiver screens, and more snaps that lean on timing and spacing.

Who steps up next: Brock Wright, Kalif Raymond, and Isaac TeSlaa

Brock Wright becomes the primary tight end. Wright knows the system and brings reliable hands and effort. He may not be the same featured threat LaPorta is, but he can keep the operation clean and on schedule. That matters a lot in tight games.

Detroit will also look to receivers Kalif Raymond and Isaac TeSlaa for more help. Raymond is a speed and space weapon who can win on quick routes and jet motion. TeSlaa offers size and toughness, useful on slants and contested catches. Their roles should grow as the Lions spread the field and try to replace LaPorta’s targets by committee.

“Brock Wright time—keep the offense on schedule and let the receivers cook.”

Adjusting the playbook without a star tight end

So what changes? The Lions will likely lean into what still works: rhythm throws, strong run-pass balance, and smart situational football. Without LaPorta, they may run fewer plays that ask the tight end to be the first read down the seam. Instead, expect more two-back looks at times, more quick-game concepts, and route combinations that help receivers find soft spots fast.

Red zone and third down are the two areas to watch. LaPorta’s size and feel made him a go-to option in those spots. Detroit will now spread the ball and trust spacing, picks, and motion to free someone else. The goal is the same: simple throws that move the chains and finish drives.

Why the Lions are taking the long view

Back injuries are serious. The team’s decision to proceed with surgery and Campbell’s honest update signal a clear plan: protect the player first. “Very, very slim” is not coach-speak for a late surprise. It is a reminder that health and the future matter just as much as the next game.

The Lions believe in their depth and their identity. They believe they can win hard games without LaPorta if they play clean, protect the ball, and tackle well. Getting him fully right for the seasons to come is the big picture goal, even as the team pushes to finish strong right now.

“Protect the long term. Win ugly now, get your star back healthy later.”

The human side: a tough break for a rising star

LaPorta is already one of the top tight ends in the league. His fast rise has energized fans and lifted the offense. Seeing his season stall out in November hurts. But it also shows how thin the line is in the NFL. One week you are rolling; the next you are fighting the clock and the injury report.

The good news is that the Lions have built a roster and a culture that expects the next player to be ready. That is how you survive surprises late in a season. That is how you keep the locker room steady when the headlines are not.

What’s next for Detroit

The mission is clear: finish the year with a smart plan that fits the personnel on hand. Trust Brock Wright to handle the core tight end work. Get Kalif Raymond and Isaac TeSlaa more touches in space. Be flexible with formations. Stack first downs. Win field position. And in the fourth quarter, be the more disciplined team.

As for LaPorta, the Lions will give him the time he needs. The goal now is a full recovery. A healthy LaPorta remains a centerpiece of Detroit’s future, and that is worth protecting today.

This report consolidates updates and analysis from Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, Pride of Detroit, and Athlon Sports.