The surging Detroit Lions have hit an untimely obstacle in their quest to stay in the NFC playoff picture. On Friday, the team announced that Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta will miss Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a shoulder injury sustained in last week’s win over the Houston Texans.
LaPorta’s absence leaves a significant void in the Lions’ high-powered offense. The second-year standout ranks third on the team with 366 receiving yards to go along with 25 catches and three touchdowns. Prior to the injury, he was on pace to potentially break Keith Jackson’s NFL record for most receptions by a tight end in their first two seasons.
LaPorta Considered “Day-to-Day” with Sprained AC Joint
Head coach Dan Campbell provided an update on LaPorta’s status earlier in the week, describing the injury as a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. While significant enough to keep the talented pass-catcher out of action this weekend, Campbell seemed optimistic that it wouldn’t lead to an extended absence.
“We don’t feel like this is something like, ‘Oh, man, this going to be a long, nagging injury.’ I think we’ll get through it,”
– Lions head coach Dan Campbell on Sam LaPorta’s injury
Still, losing LaPorta for any amount of time is a difficult blow for a Lions team that has hit its stride offensively during a three-game winning streak. The 2023 first-round pick out of Iowa has quickly developed into one of quarterback Jayden Daniels’ most trusted targets, consistently moving the chains and providing a security blanket in key situations.
Next Man Up at Tight End
With LaPorta out of action on Sunday, the Lions will turn to a committee approach at tight end against a stingy Jaguars defense. Veteran pickups like Ryland Hartman and Darin Salls are expected to handle the bulk of the snaps, while 2024 fifth-round pick Isaac Nauta could also see an expanded role.
Hartman and Salls have combined for 17 receptions and one touchdown so far this season in limited action behind LaPorta. While neither possesses the athleticism or explosiveness of the budding star, both are sure-handed options who can help keep the chains moving against Jacksonville.
Ground Game, WRs Must Pick Up Slack
Despite LaPorta’s absence, the Lions’ offense still has plenty of firepower to attack the Jaguars’ defense. Look for offensive coordinator Johnson Stenavich to lean heavily on the dangerous backfield duo of D’Andre Swift and Jahmyr Gibbs to control the clock and keep the chains moving on Sunday.
Detroit’s receiving corps, led by the dynamic trio of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, and Marvin Jones Jr., will also be called upon to make plays downfield and in the red zone. St. Brown in particular has been nearly unstoppable over the past month, surpassing 100 receiving yards in four straight games.
Showdown with Playoff Implications
At 6-4, the Lions currently find themselves just outside of playoff position in the highly competitive NFC. A win over the 5-5 Jaguars would go a long way in keeping Detroit in the wildcard hunt as we approach the final stretch of the regular season.
Despite losing LaPorta, the Lions remain slight 2.5-point favorites at home according to oddsmakers. A mistake-free performance from Daniels, along with a strong showing by a defense that has steadily improved, could be enough to extend Detroit’s winning streak to four games.
The Lions and Jaguars are set to kick off at 1pm ET from Ford Field in Detroit. With both teams fighting to stay alive in the playoff race, expect a hard-hitting and exciting matchup even without one of the game’s rising stars available for the home team.
