It's hard to overstate how important Sam LaPorta can be to Dan Campbell's Detroit Lions. When Detroit won 27 regular-season games from 2023 to 2024, LaPorta caught a combined 146 receptions for 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns. Throw in his dynamite blocking at the line of scrimmage, and it's obvious LaPorta is one of the straws that stirs the Lions' drink when they're firing on all cylinders.
That's what makes LaPorta's new hip injury, suffered during a training camp practice earlier this week, so concerning at face value. Campbell clarified that LaPorta took a hard hit to the injured hip before it flared back up on him. Campbell didn't characterize it as a serious injury, but the Lions are still electing to rest their star tight end until further
notice.
Does that mean LaPorta could miss Week 1's regular season opener against the New Orleans Saints?
Uh, yeah. That's where LaPorta's status moving forward gets a bit iffy:
Dan Campbell says Sam LaPorta is dealing with a hip injury. Feels good about him long-term, but the Lions will rest him for now. Doesn't know if it'll linger into the regular season.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 20, 2026
At the time of this writing, the start of the 2026 NFL regular season is just about three and a half weeks away. Depending on the severity of LaPorta's injury, he may well return to the Lions' lineup by the time they're playing real games. But it's never a good sign when a coach initially casts doubt on the possibility of missing at least some games. Here's hoping for the best for LaPorta and the Lions.
Who is Sam LaPorta's backup on the Lions?
Brock Wright is listed as LaPorta's backup on the Lions' official depth chart. Wright is entering his sixth NFL season, all of which previously came with the Lions.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Dan Campbell provides iffy update on Sam LaPorta's hip injury
