The Detroit Lions' offence has taken a critical hit.
Tight end Sam LaPorta was placed on the injured reserve with a back issue on Saturday, sidelining him for at least four contests, the team announced.
LaPorta was initially ruled out of Sunday's Week 11 primetime matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles after missing practice all of this week, but will now be held out until at least their Week 15 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters earlier in the week his confidence was "sky-high" in backup tight end Brock Wright, who is now slated for more reps during LaPorta's absence.
LaPorta has been a key contributor for the Lions since he was drafted out of Iowa in the second round of the 2023 draft, racking up 20 touchdowns in 42 career games.
This season, he has hauled in 40 receptions for 489 yards and three scores.
Elsewhere on the Lions' offence, star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was fined $12,172 for unnecessary roughness after he struck the facemask of Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne in their Week 10 clash.
Payne subsequently retaliated with a bigger punch a few plays later to earn himself an immediate ejection and a one-game suspension.
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