The Detroit Lions took a major step backwards last season. From a 15-win juggernaut in 2024, the team finished last in the NFC North and outright missed the playoffs in 2025. Now, with some tweaks to the roster, they'll be hoping to re-establish themselves as a top-tier contender.
After injuries were a major detriment to them last season, it has once again become a factor over the summer. Chief among them is tight end Sam LaPorta, whose recovery process has been far from seamless.
A second-round pick for the Lions in 2023, LaPorta immediately became a key contributor to their offense. He continued on an elite trajectory over the first two years of his career before being limited last season.
Playing in just nine games, he was ruled out because of a back injury that landed him on the injured reserve list. Then, after undergoing surgery, it seemed unlikely that he would make a return during the season.
During training camp, he wasn't a consistent presence, with Dan Campbell confirming the exact injury that had derailed his momentum.
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The head coach of the Lions revealed, "Sam, the other night, he kind of got hit in the hip, and it just flared up a little bit."
However, he also made it clear that it wasn't a major setback for the talented tight end: "It's a little aggravated, but we feel good long-term about him. We're just resting him for a little bit here and letting it calm down. I don't know (if it will go into the season)."
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The former Pro Bowler had by far his worst year in 2025, as he tallied 489 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, ranking at number 16 on PFN's Tight End Impact Metric. However, after ranking second as a rookie and seventh in 2024, it was a noticeable dip.
The Lions suffered, too, in his absence, as they went 3-5 after his injury, ultimately missing the playoffs. Thankfully, it doesn't look like the team will miss him in the starting lineup once their season gets underway.
"LaPorta reportedly returned to practice on August 25, and he seemingly hasn't suffered any setbacks in his recovery from the hip ailment," A report confirmed .
While there hasn't been an official word on his status for Week 1, the indications are positive.
The timeline does make it likely that he will be suiting up for the Lions when they take on the New Orleans Saints, as their season kicks off on September 13 at 1 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
