PHILADELPHIA -- Sam LaPorta’s back injury has caused the Detroit Lions to place the standout tight end on injured reserve.

LaPorta started the week with a new back injury listed on the practice report. Then the tight end failed to practice all week and was ruled out for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

It’s a tough break for the Lions and LaPorta. The third-year tight end has been one of the team’s top targets over the last month. LaPorta had at least five catches in four of the previous five games, with all three of his touchdowns coming in that span.

He has 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns on the year. Now, he’ll have to miss at least the next four games on injured reserve. The earliest LaPorta can return to action is against the Los Angeles Rams in Wee

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