Lions Face Offensive Challenge Without Key Tight End Sam LaPorta
The Detroit Lions are navigating a important offensive adjustment following an injury to tight end Sam LaPorta.Replacing his impact will be a complex task, requiring contributions from across the team.
Currently,brock wright is expected to step up in LaPorta’s absence. Coaches express confidence in Wright‘s abilities, noting his “versatility and smarts” alongside his toughness.He currently has 11 receptions for 79 yards and two touchdowns this season. However, his performance against the Philadelphia Eagles raised questions, with quarterback Jared Goff completing just 2 of 7 passes for eight yards and an interception when targeting Wright.
The Lions added veteran tight end Ross Dwelley in September, after Shane Zylstra was placed on injured reserve. Dwelley, with experience in 109 career games across eight seasons, has seen limited action this season, logging 52 snaps and one target. He played only two snaps against the Eagles, but coaches believe he’s prepared for a larger role, stating, “Ross has come in and embraced this place…learned at a fast rate…I never doubt once his number is called upon more that he’s ready.”
The lions’ offensive scheme has been noticeably affected by LaPorta’s absence. From Weeks 1 through 10, the team utilized 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) on approximately 32.9 percent of their offensive snaps, ranking seventh in the league. Against the Eagles, this number plummeted to just one snap – a season low. When utilizing 12 personnel, the Lions lead the league with a 138.9 passer rating,rank second in yards per attempt at 10.8, and third in completion percentage at 78.7 percent.
While 11 personnel (one running back, three wide receivers) remains effective – with a 101.6 passer rating (sixth), 7.2 yards per attempt (14th), and a 65.3 completion percentage (14th) – Goff has demonstrated greater success in heavier pass sets.
Prior to Week 11, the Lions deployed 11 personnel 53.1 percent of the time (24th in the league).This figure jumped to 75 percent against the Eagles, ranking second among teams that week. It remains unclear whether this shift was pre-planned or a response to LaPorta’s absence.
The team is also exploring options with rookie UDFA Jackson Meeks,a 6-2,220-pound receiver who has been practicing at tight end. He was active for the game against the Eagles, and the Lions may look to incorporate him further into the game plan. Isaac TeSlaa is another potential option.
Currently, the Lions are hoping for LaPorta’s return sometime in december, with Week 15 against the Rams being the earliest possible return date. However,Head Coach Dan Campbell has not provided a definitive timeline.
Campbell emphasized the need for overall improvement across the offense, stating, “Everyone can be better moving forward without LaPorta.” He pointed to dropped passes by Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, inconsistencies from the offensive line, and the need for better utilization of running back David montgomery alongside Jahmyr Gibbs as areas for improvement.
