The Detroit Lions enter Week 16 with Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta still sidelined following late-November back surgery, a setback that has reshaped Detroit’s offensive structure in December.
The Lions still have a narrow path to the postseason, and fans are hoping LaPorta will return to help the team make a push.
Latest Sam LaPorta Injury Update Ahead of Week 16 vs. Steelers
LaPorta suffered a back injury in Week 10 vs. the Washington Commanders, was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 15, and despite his technical Week 15 eligibility, was ruled out long-term after head coach Dan Campbell confirmed surgery and called any in-season return “very, very slim.”
The Lions have adjusted at tight end with Shane Zylstra activated from IR and Anthony Firkser available, while Brock Wright recovers from a trachea injury. Meanwhile, a shorthanded defense and additional bumps along the offensive line have forced further balancing acts as the team prepares for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The practical focus now is health-first management and retooling roles, with LaPorta unlikely to play again in 2025.
LaPorta has not played since exiting the Week 10 win over the Commanders. He was placed on IR (Weeks 11-14) and, although eligible to return in Week 15, Campbell confirmed LaPorta underwent back surgery in late November.
The Lions have not opened LaPorta’s 21-day practice window, and he remains on IR with no immediate path to activation. In parallel, the Lions adjusted their tight end depth, activating Zylstra, with Firkser available, and targeting Wright’s return for the postseason if the timeline allows.
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The Week 16 posture remains unchanged. LaPorta’s season outlook is effectively shut down, with planning focused on 2026 health and roster structure.
Why Is LaPorta Not Playing? Potential Return Timeline
Campbell’s Nov. 21 update set expectations, noting that post-surgical recovery puts LaPorta on a multi-week timeline that extends beyond the regular season, making any 2025 return unlikely. In the near term, Detroit’s tight end usage shifts to Zylstra and Firkser, with Wright projected later.
A playoff cameo would require the Lions to advance deep into January and LaPorta to hit recovery milestones; at present, team communication and the absence of a practice designation indicate no imminent activation. The team has reweighted targets toward receivers and adjusted red-zone concepts without their top tight end.
The Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams highlighted the strain on depth and continuity: both starting safeties were unavailable (Brian Branch out for the season after Achilles surgery; Kerby Joseph out with a knee injury), and right tackle Penei Sewell played through an ankle and shoulder injury that required in-game evaluation before returning.
Offensively, the Lions have leaned on Amon-Ra St. Brown (active) and Jahmyr Gibbs, with tight end snaps covered by Zylstra and Firkser in LaPorta’s absence. The approach against Pittsburgh will emphasize protection, integrity, early-down efficiency, and ball security, with situational usage at tight end focused on chain-moving routes and play-action complements rather than replicating LaPorta’s full role.
Defensively, compensating for secondary injuries demands disciplined leverage and tackling against intermediate concepts. As for LaPorta, Week 16 preparation proceeds with him on IR, no practice window opened, and team messaging consistent: recovery is prioritized for the long term, not a rushed in-season return.
