Lions TE Sam LaPorta Dealing With Hip Injury
Detroit Lions Sidelined Star
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is currently sidelined from practice at Allen Park due to a newly aggravated hip injury, according to coach Dan Campbell. Entering his fourth season with the franchise, the pass-catcher missed Wednesday’s session after taking a hit to the hip area, prompting team medical staff to rest the player while the issue calms down.
The sudden physical setback arrives just as the Lions prepare for the upcoming professional football campaign. Campbell addressed reporters on Thursday afternoon to clarify the situation surrounding the tight end’s availability, offering reassurance regarding the long-term outlook for the player.
Campbell Offers Cautious Assessment
“The other night, he got hit in the hip,” Campbell explained to media members, noting that the impact caused the area to flare up and become slightly aggravated. “But we feel good long term about him. We’re resting him for a little bit here and letting it calm down.”
When pressed by reporters on whether the injury poses a threat of lingering into the regular season—which kicks off on September 13—the coach adopted a cautious stance. “I don’t know. I feel like we’ll be OK, but I don’t know,” Campbell stated.
Overcoming Prior Back Surgery
This development interrupts what had otherwise been a steady physical recovery. Earlier in the offseason, ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler noted that LaPorta had been fully medically cleared following a challenging previous campaign, where a herniated disc in his back forced him to undergo surgery and miss the final eight games of the season.
Despite that major medical procedure, LaPorta managed to produce 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns across his injury-shortened 2025 campaign, which actually marked the highest yards-per-game average of his professional career. By the time spring OTAs and minicamps arrived, team officials confirmed he was back on the field participating in walkthroughs.
“We like where he is going, he is trending the right way,” Campbell said during minicamp in June.
Preparing for Contact and Camp
Addressing his health during locker cleanout day at the conclusion of the previous season, LaPorta emphasized the physical demands required to prepare for contact. “Hopefully by OTAs I’m up running around, and then, of course, we’ll be in pads in training camp,” LaPorta remarked at the time, highlighting the unique challenges of absorbing hits over the course of a punishing professional schedule.
The offensive unit in Detroit relies on LaPorta’s production, particularly under the tactical framework introduced by new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who helped turn Cardinals tight end Trey McBride into an All-Pro. With rookies scheduled to report to training camp on Saturday, July 25, and veterans following on Tuesday, July 28, the training staff faces a critical window to manage player rehabilitation.
Navigating Rehab and Roster Health
As the team monitors LaPorta’s daily progress at the Allen Park facility, the broader organization remains focused on balancing immediate caution with long-term roster health ahead of the September opener.