The Detroit Lions will be without tight end Sam LaPorta for at least the next four games after placing him on injured reserve with a back injury on Saturday afternoon. LaPorta was not spotted at practice or in the locker room all week. Lions coach Dan Campbell was not specific when asked about his injury on Friday, other than noting that he probably wouldn’t practice. The earliest LaPorta can return is Week 15 against the Rams.

The loss is a big one for Detroit, as LaPorta is a major contributor in both the run and passing game. Through nine games this season, he caught 40 passes for 489 yards and three touchdowns.

The Lions also chose not to activate several players who were eligible to come off of injured reserve lists for Sunday’s primetime game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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