Over the weekend, the Detroit Lions placed Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta on injured reserve with a back injury. Prior to that move, the team had not provided much information on injury, with Campbell simply noting on Friday that they’d know more after practice.
At this point, we still don’t know about the specifics on LaPorta’s injury, but after the team’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Campbell provided a little more on the outlook of the tight end’s future.
“Obviously, it’s enough to where we’re
talking about four weeks here,” Campbell said. “So, obviously, we’re going to hope that this thing calms down. And after those four games, we can get him back, but we’re really just taking this day-to-day, week-to-week.”
Campbell was then asked if he believed the team would get LaPorta back this season, and he provided a small ray of hope.
“I’m hopeful, but I really don’t know,” Campbell said.
At a minimum, LaPorta must miss three more games before he can return to practice from injured reserve. He’s already served one game missed with the Sunday night game against the Eagles.
Prior to the injury, LaPorta was one of the team’s most reliable targets. He entered Week 11 second on the team in catches (40) and receiving yards (489). And his game had also taken strides in terms of his blocking in both the pass and run games.
In his place, Brock Wright stepped up and took over TE1 duties, with Ross Dwelley serving as TE2. Against the Eagles, Wright had just two catches for 8 yards.
