Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) catches a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions are gearing up for their Week 11 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. At this point in the season, they hold an 8-1 record and are one of the best teams in football.

Coming into the season, the Lions were surrounded with Super Bowl hype. So far this year, they have not disappointed. They have completely lived up to the hype and look to be a possible championship team.

Led by Dan Campbell, Detroit plays with a lot of attitude. They play hard and they play for each other. Even after losing superstar pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, the team has not skipped a beat.

All of that being said, they will have to overcome another loss this week against the Jaguars.

Detroit Lions Receive Brutal Injury Update Ahead of Week 11

As shared by the Lions on X, star tight end Sam LaPorta will be unable to play this week against Jacksonville due to the shoulder injury that he has been dealing with.

Not having LaPorta will be a major blow for the Detroit Lions’ offense.

Throughout the 2024 NFL season thus far, LaPorta has played in nine games. He has ended up catching 25 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns.

Clearly, those numbers are down from his rookie season. He was a breakout star in 2023, catching 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. Even though his numbers are a bit lower, he has still been a massive impact player.

Jared Goff will need to move the football around to other targets. LaPorta has been one of his favorite security blankets since coming into the NFL last year.

Hopefully, the Detroit Lions will be able to get their talented 23-year-old tight end back on the field in Week 12. Giving him the week to rest up and get healthy is disappointing, but will give him an opportunity to focus on coming back in Week 12.