Sam LaPorta, Highland’s NFL star, likely out for season after back surgery

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, a 2019 graduate of Highland High School, underwent a back procedure and is not expected to return this season, coach Dan Campbell told reporters Friday.

“He did have a procedure and he is going to be out for a while,” Campbell said. “I think we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season. I think that’s very, very slim.

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

LaPorta missed a week of practice and was ruled out ahead of the Lions’ 16-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in Philadelphia. The Lions placed the 2023 Pro Bowl selection on injured reserve on Saturday, triggering an automatic absence of at least four games.

LaPorta hauled in 40 catches for 489 yards and three scores through nine starts this season. He ranked second on the team in receiving yards at the time of his placement on injured reserve, trailing only wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

LaPorta is in the third year of his four-year rookie contract. He is to hit free agency in 2027. Brock Wright and Ross Dwelley are the only other tight ends on the Lions roster. Wright caught two passes for 8 yards against the Eagles.

The Lions (6-4), who lost two of their last three games, will host the New York Giants (2-9) at noon Sunday in Detroit.

LaPorta was among area leaders in pass receptions for three seasons at Highland before playing his college football at the University of Iowa. The Lions drafted him in the second round of the NFL Draft, No. 34 overall, and just the second tight end selected.

He had a banner rookie season, setting franchise and league records for first-year tight ends. His 86 regular season receptions, 889 yards and 10 touchdowns led all tight ends in the NFL and earned him Pro Bowl and NFL All-Pro honors.

This story was originally published November 21, 2025 at 4:09 PM.