Vikings Rival Dealt Serious Blow for Homestretch of 2025 Season
At 4-6, the Minnesota Vikings have a very slim chance at making the NFL playoffs this season.
They’ll need a number of teams in front of them to take steps backwards in order to get it done while also essentially winning out for the rest of season.
One team in front of the Vikings that could be set to move backwards is one of Minnesota’s biggest rivals as the Detroit Lions were dealt a serious blow by way of injury this week.
Vikings Rival Dealt Injury Blow
The Detroit Lions could be without one of their main weapons in the passing game for the rest of the season.
Sam LaPorta suffered a back injury against the Washington Commanders a couple weeks ago and was placed on injured reserve ahead of last weekend’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now, it seems the injury may be more significant than anyone initially reported as LaPorta underwent “a procedure” this week to repair the injury.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the news on Friday.
“Lions HC Dan Campbell told reporters that TE Sam LaPorta underwent a back procedure and is now unlikely to return this season,” Schefter wrote on X.
LaPorta was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft in what has proven to be a great draft class by the Lions. The tight end has totaled 186 receptions for 2104 yards and 20 touchdowns during his career, including 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns this season.
With LaPorta now on the shelf, the 6-4 Lions will need to find a way to replace his production. Last weekend against the Eagles, it was Brock Wright who took the majority of the snaps at tight end. He was targeted seven times in that loss, but he had just two catches for eight yards.
The Lions have a relatively easy matchup this weekend, facing a New York Giants team that will start Jameis Winston at quarterback.
However, Detroit still has matchups against Green Bay, LA Rams, Pittsburgh, and Chicago ahead of it, all of whom have winning records right now.
The Vikings will also get a second crack at the Lions in Week 17 at U.S. Bank Stadium after beating Detroit on the road a couple weeks ago.
If the season ended today, the Lions would be outside of the playoff bracket, sitting in the No. 8 spot in the NFC.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference.
You must be logged in to post a comment.