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By Jeremy Hanna
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Detroit Lions have become one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL, leading the NFC North with an 8-1 record, the second-best record in the entire league.
All of this has been done with minimal contributions from star tight end Sam LaPorta, who has only recorded 25 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns this season after breaking countless records last year.
Now, it looks like they'll have to maintain their momentum without LaPorta completely.
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According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Detroit Lions have ruled out star tight end Sam LaPorta for their Week 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a shoulder injury.
The injury was sustained during the Lions' 26-23 comeback victory over the Houston Texans.
While LaPorta hasn't statistically contributed as much as his rookie season, he is still an integral part of Detroit's offensive scheme, drawing attention away from other offensive weapons like wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Now, tight end duties will likely fall to Brock Wright, who has made nine receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown this season.
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Even though LaPorta hasn't stood out as much this year, his performance last season was incredible.
In his rookie season, LaPorta made 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. He followed this up with an incredible postseason performance, where he made 21 receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown.
LaPorta wound up setting the records for most receptions by a rookie tight end (86) and most postseason receiving yards by a rookie tight end (176).
In the end, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, a second-team All-Pro, and to the 2023 Pro Bowl.
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Anyone following LaPorta's career would not be surprised by his NFL success.
In college, LaPorta played for the Iowa Hawkeyes, where he became the sole starter in his junior year.
In 2021, LaPorta recorded 53 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns. He was named second-team All-Big Ten for his performance and took home the Iowa Hawkweues Team Hustle Award.
In his senior year, LaPorta made 58 receptions for 657 yards and one touchdown. This led to him not just being named first-team All-Big Ten, but also Big Ten Tight End of the Year.
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Needless to say, the Lions are going to miss LaPorta this week against the Jaguars. Hopefully, he'll be able to return in time for them to face the Indianapolis Colts.
For more Lions and NFL news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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