Overview
- LaPorta said a vertebral disc fully herniated during Week 10 against Washington after weeks of accumulated hits, triggering numbness, tingling and muscle loss.
- He tried to play through the issue but deteriorating symptoms, including being unable to do a single-leg calf raise, led to injured reserve and surgery.
- LaPorta reported he is six weeks post-operation and starting a new phase of rehab, hoping to run by spring OTAs and to be in pads for training camp as coach Dan Campbell urges caution with back timelines.
- Before the injury, he posted 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine games, building on his early-career Pro Bowl form.
- Detroit’s offense declined without him, and with Brock Wright also on IR, tight end depth has emerged as an offseason need after drops in the run game and key conversion rates.