DETROIT —

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is likely out for the rest of the season after having back surgery, coach Dan Campbell said Friday.

LaPorta's absence leaves a big void as Detroit found out in last week's 16-9 loss at Philadelphia, where LaPorta was out of the lineup after going on injured reserve.

He has 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns this season and 186 catches for 2,104 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2 1/2 seasons.

"Certainly, losing Sam hurts," Campbell said. "That hurts. But we'll adjust, we'll adapt. We've got plenty of weapons here, and our O-line's going to do a hell of a job."

Brock Wright, who has started games in each of his five seasons with the Lions, becomes the team's starting tight end. The former Notre Dame standout has 11 catches for 79 yar

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