Lions TE LaPorta out for Season with Hip Injury

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season after suffering a hip injury in Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins.

The Lions announced the news Monday morning, saying that LaPorta will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip. He is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of the 2024 season.

LaPorta, a rookie from Iowa, had emerged as a key part of the Lions' offense in recent weeks. He had caught 14 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns in his first five games. He had been a key target in tight end coach Steve Heiden's scheme that involves plenty of misdirection with the tight ends. His injury is a major blow to the Lions, who are already thin at the tight end position. Brock Wright is now the only healthy tight end on the roster. The Lions will likely need to sign a free agent or make a trade to add depth at the position. LaPorta's injury is the latest in a long line of setbacks for the Lions this season. The team is now 1-4 and has lost four straight games. They have also been plagued by injuries, with several key players missing time. Despite the adversity, the Lions remain hopeful that they can turn things around and make a run at the playoffs. They will need to get healthy and find a way to win some close games.