Sam LaPorta just got news that could change everything for the Lions offense

Gridiron Heroics · Jul 22, 2026 11:28 · 3 min read

Jan 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates his touch down against the Minnesota Vikings with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions finished 9-8 last season and missed the playoffs for the first time in three years. Their offense averaged 22.3 points per game, down from 28.6 in 2024. Part of that drop traced directly to losing their starting tight end in Week 10 and never getting him back. Sam LaPorta suffered a herniated disc against the Washington Commanders...

Sam LaPorta suffered a herniated disc against the Washington Commanders in November, requiring surgery that ended his season. He spent the offseason in a controlled recovery, doing walkthroughs during minicamp while the organization watched his progress carefully. Veterans report to camp on July 28.

Sam LaPorta Cleared for Full Training Camp Participation

Sam LaPorta received full medical clearance earlier this month. The Lions will still determine the level of his early practice involvement, but reporter Tim Twentyman noted LaPorta is expected to be a full participant. Surgery repaired the herniated disc, and no complications have been reported through his recovery.

LaPorta had set the expectation himself on locker-cleanout day after the 2025 season. “Hopefully by OTAs I’m up running around, and then, of course, we’ll be in pads in training camp,” he said.

Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed at minicamp in June that the recovery was on schedule. “We like where he is going, he is trending the right way,” Campbell said. “He is trending the right way.”

The clearance arrives alongside a significant offensive staff change. New coordinator Drew Petzing spent the previous four seasons developing tight end Trey McBride in Arizona. McBride became a first-team All-Pro under Petzing. McBride told LaPorta this offseason, “Man, you’re going to love it. You’re going to eat, you’re going to have a great career.” Petzing’s scheme heavily involves tight ends in the passing game.

LaPorta, 25, is entering his fourth NFL season after being selected in the second round of the 2023 Draft out of Iowa. In nine games last season, he posted career highs in catch percentage at 81.6 percent and yards per game at 54.3, suggesting the injury came in the middle of his best stretch of professional football.

LaPorta Enters Final Year of Rookie Deal with Extension Looming

LaPorta enters the final year of his rookie deal and becomes an unrestricted free agent after 2026. The Lions have not announced an extension, though both sides have indicated interest. All three of Detroit’s tight ends – LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin – are entering contract years, making LaPorta a clear priority extension candidate for the front office before the season begins.

Detroit’s path back to the playoffs could run through a fully healthy Sam LaPorta. NFL analysts predicted the Lions could go from worst to first in the NFC North in 2026, specifically citing a healthy LaPorta alongside Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown as the key variable. Detroit opens the season against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. LaPorta will be on the field.