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A lack of offensive productivity was not the reason the Detroit Lions finished in last place in a loaded NFC North Division last season, as the team ranked in the top-five in points, total yards and passing yards, but the aerial attack could have been even more dangerous if not for a big injury. Star tight end Sam LaPorta played only nine games and underwent a microdiscectomy to repair his fully herniated disc last year. He has lofty ambitions in 2026, however.
Now, the 2023-24 Second-Team All-Pro just needs his body to cooperate. LaPorta is expected to be “full go” for training camp, according to Lions insider Tim Twentyman. He has proven himself to be a lethal red-zone target for quarterback Jared Goff when healthy, so fans should be ecstatic for this update.
The back is obviously a sensitive area, so Detroit may choose to initially manage his workload, but it appears that the 6-foot-3, 245-pound talent will be ready to hit the ground running during the 2026-27 campaign. He was fully cleared earlier in July, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, ending what has been an arduous road back to the gridiron.
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It is essential that LaPorta and the rest of the pass-catching group have enough time to get comfortable under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s system, because cohesion can take a squad quite far. Detroit wants to move like a machine, but in order for that to happen, it may require an impactful TE.
Sam LaPorta has recorded 186 receptions for 2,104 yards and 20 touchdowns in 42 regular season games. He will do his best to make up for lost time when practice begins next week.
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