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Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta appears set to enter training camp without restrictions after spending much of the offseason working his way back from back surgery. The update gives Detroit another boost as veterans prepare to report later this month.
According to an update shared by The Detroit Times on X on July 22, citing Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman, LaPorta has been cleared to participate fully in training camp. After being limited during OTAs and minicamp, the expectation is that he’ll be ready when Detroit begins practices.
“JUST IN: Lions TE Sam LaPorta is expected to be full-go for training camp,” The Detroit Times wrote, as per Tim Twentyman.
The update shared by The Detroit Times on X comes after he underwent a microdiscectomy to repair a fully herniated disc that ended his 2025 season.
The 25-year-old had already returned to the field for portions of OTAs. But as per the latest update, there will be no more restrictions.
Before the injury, LaPorta remained one of Jared Goff’s most reliable targets. He caught 40 passes for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine appearances.
His return gives Detroit another reliable option on offense after the strong production he posted in 2023 and 2024.
Now that he returns for the 2026 season, he still remains a priority in the Lions camp.
Why LaPorta’s return could reshape Detroit’s offense
According to Tim Twentyman on the Lions’ official website, LaPorta remains Detroit’s clear No. 1 tight end despite the additions of Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin.
Twentyman also pointed to new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s history of using multiple-tight-end formations, which could create even more opportunities for LaPorta this season.
“We like where he is going, he is trending the right way,” head coach Dan Campbell said during the minicamps in June, as reported by Pride of Detroit.com.
Without LaPorta, the Lions converted just 3 of 13 third downs and went 0-for-5 on fourth-down attempts against Philadelphia. It was their fewest points scored since a 38-6 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7 of the 2023 season.
Now that he’s expected to be fully cleared, the focus is to get him back into a featured role. LaPorta also made it clear after the 2025 season that his goal was to be ready for training camp.
“Hopefully by OTAs I’ll be running around, and then, of course, we’ll be in pads in training camp,” LaPorta said. “So, it’s a lot different than other sports, just to be able to brace for those hits. The accumulation of a long NFL season, I’ve really got to get this back right before I’m out there running around in pads and taking those hits and such.”
Detroit’s rookies are scheduled to report on July 25, while veterans are set to arrive on July 28.
If LaPorta takes the field as expected, he will look for a central role in the Lions’ passing attack. Share your thoughts on LaPorta’s return.
Read more at Detroit Lions Community.
