THE Detroit Lions will likely be without their star tight end for the rest of the season.

Sam LaPorta underwent back surgery and now has a “slim” chance to play again with the Lions this year.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed LaPorta’s surgery was successful, and that his prognosis is good long-term.

“Detroit Lions announces devastating Sam LaPorta injury news in major blow to Super Bowl hopes,” he said.

“I think that’s very, very slim.

“The good news is the procedure went really well long-term.”

LaPorta was ruled out of the Lions’ loss against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday and placed on injured reserve.

He is the Eagles’ third-leading receiver with 489 yards and three touchdowns.

LaPorta was a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Backup tight end Brock Wright will step up to fill his role for the remainder of the season.

Lions offensive coordinator John Morton is confident in Wright, but said that the whole team will feel the loss of LaPorta.

“I mean he’s a hell of an all-around blocker, receiver, he can do it all,” he said.

“But he was really reliable on third down in the red zone, that’s the biggest thing.

“But his blocking on first and second down. I mean the way he’s improved with his blocking, it’s just been awesome.

“So, our other guys — all the tight ends have got to step up.”

The Lions are 6-4 and out of a playoff spot, and will have to claw their way back into contention without LaPorta.