Feb. 14, 2026, 5:45 a.m. ET

The Detroit Lions finished the 2025 NFL season with a 9-8 record, finishing fourth in the NFC North and missing the playoffs. Injuries played a significant role in their performance, with the team ranking as the second-most injured in the league based on man-games lost, following a similar issue in 2024 where they were No. 1.

There were 10 injuries that stood out as most impactful in chronological order. Previously on Lions Wire:

Now, No. 8:

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.No. 8: Nov. 9, 2025 (Week 10) – Sam LaPorta herniated disc

LaPorta’s 2025 season was cut short by a back injury that eventually required surgery. Despite the shortened season, he remained highly efficient, averaging a career-high 54.3 yards per game.

Here is my excerpt for Sam LaPorta.

An unexpected back injury ended LaPorta’s season after Week 10 and required surgery. While this play near the end of the game was concerning, LaPorta revealed there was a pre-existing issue with a herniated disc.-Jimmy Liao MD

“I was in a lot of pain. I was gimpy, I was walking around like an 80-year-old man and it just wasn’t getting any better.” — Sam LaPorta

In just three seasons, Sam LaPorta has established himself as one of the premier tight ends in the NFL. Despite a shortened 2025 campaign due to a back injury, his early career production has been record-breaking.

2025 Season Stats

LaPorta’s 2025 season ended after Week 10 due to a fully herniated disc that required surgery. Before the injury, he was on a productive pace, notably scoring all three of his touchdowns on plays of 40+ yards.

Statistic2025 Total (9 Games)Receptions40Receiving Yards489Yards Per Catch12.2Touchdowns3First Downs23Career NFL StatisticsYearTeamGPRecYdsTDNotable Honors2023DET178688910Pro Bowl, 2nd-Team All-Pro2024DET16607267Top 100 Players (#94)2025DET9404893—Total421862,10420Outlook of injury

There is uncertainty going forward with the disc herniation surgery due to the possibility of residual symptoms. That may not be known until late in the offseason. The expectation at this point is he should be ready by training camp. Future reliability will be a question mark.

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