The New Orleans Saints might catch a break when they open the 2026 regular season against the Detroit Lions. Lions star tight end Sam LaPorta is dealing with a hip injury, and head coach Dan Campbell isn't ready to say whether he'll be available when Detroit hosts New Orleans on Sept. 13.
"It flared up a little bit, it's a little aggravated," Campbell told reporters Thursday. "But we feel good long-term about him. We'll rest him for a little bit here and letting it calm down."
Asked specifically whether the injury could linger into the regular season, Campbell offered little certainty. It's a significant situation for the Saints to monitor over the next few weeks; LaPorta has established himself as one of the NFL's better tight ends and is expected
to play a major role in new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's offense.
LaPorta is coming off a difficult 2025 season. He underwent surgery in November to repair a herniated disk in his back after the injury ended his season eight games early. He finished the year with 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns.
Detroit does have some experience behind LaPorta, though. Brock Wright would be the most obvious candidate for an expanded role after catching 14 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games last season. Detroit also signed veteran Tyler Conklin this offseason. Former wide receiver Jackson Meeks also transitioned to tight end and has reportedly drawn positive reviews during camp.
Even without their star tight end, Detroit wouldn't exactly be short on weapons around Jared Goff. Amon-Ra St. Brown is coming off a 117-catch, 1,401-yard, 11-touchdown season, while Jameson Williams added 1,117 receiving yards. yards and seven touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs, who was given a record-setting contract extension just a few weeks ago, also remains one of the league's most dangerous offensive players after rushing for more than 1,200 yards and catching 77 passes for another 616 yards last season. So, LaPorta's absence would be meaningful for New Orleans, particularly given how heavily Petzing has used tight ends, but it wouldn't suddenly make the Lions an easy assignment.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Lions star tight end Sam LaPorta's Week 1 status vs. Saints uncertain
