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Lions HC Dan Campbell Gives Uneasy Update on TE Sam LaPorta
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The Detroit Lions consistently run out one of the NFL 's most explosive offenses, and with Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams, it's easy to see why.
But there's another player who remains a key part of that high-powered attack: tight end Sam LaPorta.
Unfortunately, LaPorta suffered a hip injury during a recent Lions practice and has already missed multiple practices this week. Now, it looks like there's a real chance he could miss the start of the 2026 season.
Speaking with reporters Thursday , head coach Dan Campbell said the team is keeping LaPorta sidelined to let him rest and "calm down" before his return, while acknowledging he's not sure whether the star tight end will be available for Week 1.
"It flared up a little bit, it's a little aggravated," Campbell said. "But we feel good long-term about him. We'll rest him for a little bit here and let it calm down."
When asked whether the injury could cause LaPorta to miss time in the regular season, Campbell said, "I don't know. I feel like we'll be OK, but I don't know."
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LaPorta was Detroit's second-round pick (No. 34 overall) out of Iowa in 2023, and he broke out immediately. He appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, hauling in 86 catches on 120 targets for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.
The issue is that his numbers, and his availability, have declined since. In 2024, his totals dropped to 726 yards and seven touchdowns on 60 catches, and last season he finished with just 489 yards and three touchdowns on 40 catches before suffering a season-ending back injury. That injury required surgery and limited him to just nine games.
LaPorta is still, without a doubt, one of the best tight ends in football. But as the saying goes, availability is the best ability — and right now, it's looking like the Lions could be without one of their star players when the season kicks off in a few weeks from now. Detroit opens the 2026 season at home against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Sept. 13.
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