Losing tight end Sam LaPorta Week 10 in Washington to a back injury was a blow for the Detroit Lions' offense.

LaPorta has been one of the most productive pass-catching tight ends in the NFL the last two seasons and quickly has become a security-blanket target for quarterback Jared Goff , especially on third down.

That void left in the pass game by LaPorta's departure to injured reserve has been filled not by a backup tight end but by running back Jahymr Gibbs . Since LaPorta's absence, Gibbs has been targeted 31 times and has 26 receptions for 247 yards and a touchdown.

"Yeah, it's been great. He's certainly filled some of those targets and catches for us, and he can just do so much," Goff said of Gibbs. "And it's kind of like, he's just scratching the surface on his route runnin

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