Sam LaPorta’s Week 1 status for the 2026 NFL season just got seriously questionable, and honestly, it’s a brutal blow. Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed on Thursday, Aug. 20, that his star tight end is dealing with a hip injury that stemmed from a recent hit in practice. LaPorta’s been out of sessions, and it sounds like this isn’t just a minor tweak.
Campbell’s Optimism Can’t Hide the Week 1 Doubt
Campbell tried to put a positive spin on it, telling reporters, “It flared up a little bit, it’s a little aggravated, but we feel good long-term about him.” He mentioned they’d “rest him for a little bit here and letting it calm down.” Sounds good, right? Like a chill recovery. But then the coach dropped the real bomb when pressed about LaPorta’s readiness for the season opener. His response? A definitive, and frankly, gut-wrenching, “I don’t know.” He added, “I feel like we’ll be OK, but I don’t know.” That lack of a guarantee? That’s what’s got everyone on edge.
LaPorta’s Injury History And Who Steps Up
This isn’t LaPorta’s first dance with serious injury either. He’s coming off a 2025 season where he played a career-low nine games because of a back injury, needing surgery and missing the final eight contests. Talk about a tough break! Usually, LaPorta is a massive part of their passing game, averaging 75 catches, 852 yards, and eight touchdowns per 17 games across his first three NFL seasons. Losing that production, even for a game, is a huge hit.
So, who’s next? Brock Wright, 27, is currently listed as the backup. He’s been with the Lions since 2021 as an undrafted free agent. While he’s got 70 catches for 632 yards and 11 touchdowns in five seasons, he’s known more for his blocking prowess. The Lions also snagged eight-year veteran Tyler Conklin in the offseason. The 31-year-old only had seven catches for the Chargers last season, but he did average 58 catches, 554 yards, and 2.5 touchdowns in his previous four campaigns. They have six tight ends on the 90-man roster, with Jackson Meeks, Thomas Gordon, or Zach Horton rounding out the unofficial depth chart. But let’s be real, none of those guys are LaPorta.
This team needs LaPorta healthy and ready to roll, especially after his last season. With Week 1 rapidly approaching, the big question remains: can someone else fill those huge shoes if LaPorta isn’t ready, or will the Lions offense have to adapt on the fly? It’s going to be a nail-biter waiting for more news.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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