The Detroit Lions will likely have to make their Super Bowl run without one of their best offensive players. Coach Dan Campbell announced on Friday that tight end Sam LaPorta underwent a procedure this week for his back injury that will almost certainly end his season.

“Sam did have a procedure, and he’s going to be out for a while, a while,” Campbell said. “I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season at some point. I think that (chance) is very, very slim.”

LaPorta suffered the injury against the Washington Commanders and was placed on injured reserve the following week. He finishes the season with 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns.

The Lions will have to replace LaPorta with a pretty thin bench of tight ends. Brock Wright has b

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