Nov 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) smiles after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions (6-3) will be without one of their best players on Sunday Night Football against the reigning league champions, the Philadelphia Eagles (7-2).

Tight end Sam LaPorta is officially out with a back injury on Sunday. He hadn't practiced in the lead-up to the game and will not play, with backup Brock Wright expected to take over as the primary replacement for the star big man.

Per Pro Football Focus, LaPorta is the third-ranked tight end in the NFL for the 2025 season. He has zero dropped balls on the year and is a monster when the ball gets in his hands, averaging almost 7 yards after a catch. He already has 40 receptions on the year with three touchdowns, bringing in a consistent level of elite play week in and week out for the Super Bowl-contending Lions.

Although not on the same caliber as LaPorta, Dan Campbell and his staff have complete trust in Wright to perform well against the champs. Wright has two touchdowns this year in limited snaps and has performed above average when given time on the playing field.

The Lions are heading into Philadelphia needing a big win to keep their chances at the No. 1 seed in the conference alive and stay ahead in a competitive NFC North division.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Lions TE Sam LaPorta out Sunday Night Football vs. Eagles

Reporting by Tyler Erzberger, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect