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Pride Of Detroit fantasy football takes on Sam LaPorta
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Pride Of Detroit about Sam LaPorta.
80
Insights
51
Positive
12
Negative
Insight ledger
All Pride Of Detroit insights about Sam LaPorta
PositiveUsageOct 28, 2026
Laporta recorded a touchdown catch in the first quarter of the Lions' Week 8 matchup against the Vikings on November 2, 2025, demonstrating continued involvement in Detroit's offensive game plan during a critical divisional contest.PositiveRoleOct 27, 2026
LaPorta executed an insane blocking assignment on a critical fourth-down play against Green Bay, reaching and gaining inside leverage on edge defender Lukas Van Ness (90) on his inside gap. The source praises the execution with 'pay the man' language, though notes the play design puts high difficulty on the tight end by fighting against his natural leverage; the source prefers simpler power concepts on critical downs to reduce strain on players.PositiveRoleOct 27, 2026
Tight end asked to reach and gain inside leverage on edge defender Lukas Van Ness on his inside gap on fourth-and-1 play. Source calls this an insane block from LaPorta and says 'pay the man,' indicating elite blocking performance. However, source criticizes the play design for putting this level of difficulty in assignment on LaPorta, preferring to stick to true power concept on critical downs rather than blending duo and power concepts that fight against LaPorta's natural leverage.PositiveUsageOct 26, 2026
LaPorta played 66 snaps (97%) and was sharp as a pass protector; though he caught only one pass for an undisclosed yardage in the fourth quarter, that catch helped set up the Lions to get into game-winning field goal range, demonstrating his value beyond receiving stats.NegativeUsageOct 26, 2026
LaPorta received a C grade and was notably underutilized with only two targets all game, a particularly hard-to-explain decision given the dominance of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams against the Packers secondary. However, his catch on the final drive of the game was significant. The tight end group overall received a C grade with no major positives or negatives beyond LaPorta's limited involvement.NegativeUsageOct 26, 2026
Despite the Lions airing it out 32 times from Jared Goff, LaPorta was largely uninvolved with just two targets, only one of which resulted in a catch (an 18-yard gain late in the game). This underutilization is notable given his recent public complaints about his contract status, and while one game won't change his price tag, more consistent impact is expected.PositiveValueOct 25, 2026
Sam LaPorta 50+ receiving yards prop at -114 odds is featured in Fanduel Sportsbook's bold parlay. On National Tight Ends Day, LaPorta is expected to exceed 50 receiving yards against Green Bay's defense, especially if linebacker Isaiah McDuffie covers him in man-to-man situations.PositiveUsageOct 25, 2026
Sam LaPorta is expected to see frequent targets from Jared Goff, particularly in red-zone situations where he becomes the offense's top target. The Lions' depth of receiving weapons (St. Brown, Williams, Gibbs) will occupy Green Bay's safeties and defensive backs, leaving LaPorta to face linebacker coverage—a favorable matchup for a tight end.PositiveValueOct 25, 2026
Sam LaPorta anytime touchdown prop at +150 odds is a strong value play on National Tight Ends Day. Fanduel Sportsbook targets LaPorta as a top red-zone option once Detroit enters scoring position, with the Packers' linebacker injuries creating favorable coverage matchups and the Lions' surrounding talent (St. Brown, Williams, Gibbs) creating distraction for Green Bay's secondary and safeties.PositiveProjectionOct 25, 2026
Lions TE Sam LaPorta is on pace for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2026, with 316 yards and three TDs already through six games; the yardage would be a career high, while the touchdown total would match his 2023 rookie-season high. Despite Green Bay allowing only two TDs to tight ends this season, LaPorta has a favorable matchup: the Packers are down top two linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Zaire Franklin, leaving Isaiah McDuffie (who allowed nine catches, 68 yards, and a TD to Detroit in 2024) and Ty'Ron Hopper to cover him. The Lions' receiving weapons (Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa) and Jahmyr Gibbs will occupy safeties, likely forcing LaPorta into linebacker matchups in the red zone.NegativeDepth ChartOct 25, 2026
Sam LaPorta is the projected starting tight end for Week 7 against the Packers.NegativeRoleOct 23, 2026
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta clarified his contract frustration comments, emphasizing his commitment to Detroit and the team's support for him. He stated: 'I want to play for this team. I give everything that I have. My teammates do, as well. They all love me, respect me, and support me.' LaPorta is seeking a long-term deal with the Lions and expressed that his frustration stems from wanting security and stability for his family as they prepare to welcome their first child in Metro Detroit. He acknowledged the business side of negotiations and respect for the front office while maintaining he performs at a level comparable to or better than other compensated tight ends in the league.NegativeRoleOct 23, 2026
Dan Campbell confirmed LaPorta remains locked in and ready to play despite contract extension frustration; Campbell stated 'He's locked in. He's been locked in all year' and 'we're ready to use him. He's a hell of a football player,' indicating no change to his offensive role or usage despite the public dispute.PositiveProjectionOct 23, 2026
LaPorta is on pace to set career-highs in receiving yards (316, fifth among tight ends) and touchdowns (t-fifth), despite playing one fewer game than most tight ends; on track for a breakout statistical season.PositiveRoleOct 23, 2026
LaPorta is positioned to benefit from the Lions' strategy of stretching the Packers' secondary with Jameson Williams. By threatening deep shots to Williams, the safeties will be pulled back, opening up the intermediate area where LaPorta can work. The source states this approach will help the Lions sustain drives and stay consistent.NegativeRoleOct 22, 2026
LaPorta is in the final year of his rookie deal and contract extension talks with the Lions have stalled in a stalemate. He publicly expressed frustration on 'Pardon My Take,' citing his injury history (back injury Week 9/10 last year) and current performance ('I'm ballin'') as reasons the team should pay him, stating 'It's disappointing that you go out there every week and you bear the risk of getting hurt' and later adding he's willing to leave if Detroit doesn't offer an extension: 'in three months if I don't get to wear the Honolulu Blue and play for the Lions anymore, it's going to be all good. I'll go get paid somewhere else.' The source notes his public comments have created drama and distraction, likely damaging his relationship with the team and drawing fan backlash, which could negatively impact his fantasy value through potential trade or reduced offensive role.NegativeRoleOct 21, 2026
LaPorta is venting frustration over stalled contract extension negotiations with the Lions; he expressed disappointment about not feeling financially supported despite playing through injury risk, specifically referencing a back injury in Week 9-10 last year that caused him significant stress and led to concerns about career-ending consequences. He stated: 'I break my fucking back for this team. And then I'm going out there this year, and I'm ballin', and maybe they're just not showing the love.' While general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have publicly expressed appreciation for LaPorta and stated they want him long-term, both sides have reached a stalemate in negotiations. LaPorta indicated he is prepared to test free agency if a deal is not reached, saying 'if I don't get to wear the Honolulu Blue and play for the Lions anymore, it's going to be all good. I'll go get paid somewhere else.'PositiveProjectionOct 13, 2026
LaPorta is the Lions' second-most valuable offensive playmaker behind Gibbs. He leads in contested catch rate (83.3%) among pass catchers with 2+ contested targets; ranks second in yards after catch per reception (5.3) among players with 17+ targets; and ranks second in yards per reception (11.7) behind only Jameson Williams (15.3) among receivers with 10+ catches through five weeks. The source emphasizes his durability and importance to the offense, stating he is the kind of talent Detroit desperately missed down the stretch last season.PositiveProjectionOct 13, 2026
LaPorta has established himself as a top-tier tight end with an 80.6 PFF grade ranking fourth in the NFL; he currently leads all tight ends with 316 yards and is tied for fifth in touchdowns, though his blocking grades remain weak (69.6 pass blocking, 56.9 run blocking).PositiveRoleOct 13, 2026
LaPorta, in a contract year, functioned as the offensive catalyst in the Lions' dominant 45-21 win over Arizona. Jared Goff credited him with changing the game's landscape. LaPorta made a vital fourth-and-3 catch over the middle while being clobbered by Mack Wilson Sr. to move the chains for the first time all day on Detroit's fourth possession; on the next drive he made rookie Wydett Williams Jr. miss on third-and-long to set up fourth-and-inches, then caught a wide-open 38-yard touchdown. He also pulled off a twisting, diving grab down the seam for a first down in the fourth quarter, finishing with five catches on five targets for a season-high 88 receiving yards (44 after the catch) while adding pivotal run blocks on the edge. The source notes his injury last season caused the offense's consistency to fall off, underscoring his importance.PositiveRoleOct 12, 2026
LaPorta played 89% of offensive snaps (59 snaps) and was instrumental in pulling the Lions out of their first-quarter offensive rut, converting a tough fourth-down on the Lions' first scoring drive and scoring a touchdown on the next drive to help them gain momentum.PositiveUsageOct 12, 2026
LaPorta caught all 5 targets for 88 yards and 1 TD, including a crucial fourth-down conversion that kept the Lions' first TD drive alive and a third-and-11 conversion that turned into fourth-and-1. He was the offensive catalyst when Detroit looked stuck.PositiveRoleOct 11, 2026
LaPorta is the Lions' most reliable target in critical moments; early in the game when the offense was disjointed and sputtering, key grabs by LaPorta kept the Lions moving, including a fourth-and-3 conversion and an 11-yard third-and-12 gain. He finished with 88 yards on five catches as the Lions' leading receiver, including a 38-yard touchdown grab on fourth down. The source emphasizes reliability as the forefront of his game: when things look grim, Jared Goff and Drew Petzing can turn to LaPorta for a spark.PositiveUsageOct 11, 2026
LaPorta made an impressive contested catch on fourth-and-3 at midfield with a 15-yard roughness penalty added, then made a big play on third-and-12 by juking a defender and diving forward for what appeared to be a first down. He later caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Goff.PositiveProjectionOct 11, 2026
Prop bet: anytime touchdown at +165 odds, featured in a bold parlay. LaPorta has found the end zone twice this season and is coming off a solid performance against the Panthers. The source notes that with contract talks on hold, LaPorta will do everything he can to prove to the Lions he deserves his money, and could be used effectively in the passing attack against Arizona's weak secondary.NegativeDepth ChartOct 11, 2026
Sam LaPorta is the projected starting tight end for the Lions in Week 5 against Arizona.PositiveRoleOct 9, 2026
LaPorta is expected to benefit from Jameson Williams stretching the Cardinals' safeties in zone coverage. If Williams forces the Cardinals' safeties to expand their coverage zones, it will open things up underneath for LaPorta and other short-area targets.PositiveUsageOct 9, 2026
LaPorta is now second on the Lions in targets (32) after tallying 13 last week when Detroit had to largely abandon the run game and get consistent yardage over the middle. He was the most reliable option in that situation, positioning him as a key target in this matchup against Arizona's weak coverage, particularly in the middle of the field where linebackers Mack Wilson Sr. (49.8 PFF grade) and Jack Gibbens (43.7 PFF grade) rank among the worst on the team.PositiveRoleOct 7, 2026
Lions TE Sam LaPorta expressed optimism about contract extension negotiations despite a reported stalemate after four weeks of failed talks. LaPorta credited the Lions organization for drafting him and taking a chance on him, noting that several 2023 draft-class tight ends have already signed extensions: Michael Mayer (three years, $45 million), Tucker Kraft (four years, $75 million), and Darnell Washington (four years, $42 million). He clarified he is not chasing the highest-paid TE title (George Kittle at four years, $76.4 million) and emphasized his focus remains on team contribution rather than individual accolades. Coach Dan Campbell reinforced his appreciation, stating "I love LaPorta. We love LaPorta. He's a heck of a football player" and praised his work ethic and production. LaPorta described the current status as a "stalemate" but left the door open for continued talks during the season, delegating negotiations to his agent Jack Bechta while maintaining his on-field focus.NegativeValueOct 6, 2026
The source raises the question of whether the Detroit Lions could realistically trade Sam LaPorta and whether they could net a defensive starter in return, suggesting his trade value and potential role in addressing defensive needs are being discussed among fans.PositiveRoleOct 6, 2026
LaPorta was a valuable outlet in the fourth quarter and looked worthy of a hefty second contract despite the Lions playing from behind; the source notes he provided reliable receiving options in trail mode.NegativeUsageOct 5, 2026
LaPorta played 56 snaps (79%); with the Lions trailing and using more 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR), tight end snap counts were reduced.PositiveProjectionOct 5, 2026
LaPorta earned a B grade and was one of Detroit's most potent weapons in the game, finishing with 8 catches for 84 yards and 1 touchdown. The source explicitly identifies him as a key offensive weapon despite the tight end unit's overall grade being dragged down by Brock Wright's penalties.PositiveRoleOct 5, 2026
Lions TE proving why team needs to pay him amid stagnating contract extension talks. Finished with 84 yards on eight catches and touchdown; was vacuuming up passes all night. Source: 'LaPorta was vacuuming up passes all night long, finishing with 84 yards on eight catches and a touchdown.' Role evolved from minimal blocker to genuinely impactful; has easily passed Wright as best blocking tight end. Serves as reliable safety valve for Goff, seemingly always ready to churn out yards.PositiveUsageOct 5, 2026
LaPorta was targeted in the Lions' second drive of the game, recording an 11-yard reception that was aided by a roughing the passer penalty, which pushed Detroit to midfield almost immediately and kept the drive alive.PositiveDepth ChartOct 4, 2026
Sam LaPorta is the projected starter at tight end for the Lions in Week 4, with Brock Wright, Tyler Conklin, and Jackson Meeks as backups.PositiveProjectionOct 4, 2026
Despite stalled extension talks, the source notes that Detroit has a history of in-season negotiations for extensions and there is at least a chance talks resume later this year. The Lions continue to negotiate deals in-season and there is a possibility they make another attempt at a deal that would make LaPorta one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends.NegativeProjectionOct 4, 2026
If Sam LaPorta does not receive an extension, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. The Lions hold the option to use the franchise tag on him, which is currently projected to be a one-year deal worth approximately $17.5 million. The market context shows young tight ends commanding significant deals: Tucker Kraft signed a four-year, $75 million deal, Michael Mayer received a three-year, $45 million deal, and Kyle Pitts inked a three-year, $54 million extension.NegativeRoleOct 4, 2026
Contract extension negotiations between the Detroit Lions and Sam LaPorta have stalled after four weeks of talks through the weekend. LaPorta's camp wanted to break off conversations if they couldn't reach a deal after four weeks into the season, with LaPorta wanting to fully focus on the field. The sides agreed to pause negotiations until the offseason after a push on Friday and Saturday did not result in a deal.PositiveMatchupSep 30, 2026
Lions TE Sam LaPorta is a key matchup advantage against the Panthers' linebacker group. LaPorta has been performing well since returning from his back injury last season, and QB Jared Goff clearly likes to target him; through three games, Goff has consistently looked his way. The source identifies the tight end vs. linebacker battle as the biggest matchup to watch.PositiveUsageSep 28, 2026
LaPorta played 60 snaps (92%) in Week 3, maintaining his role as the primary tight end; the Lions deployed 13 personnel packages with increased usage, and the tight end group showed versatility with Jackson Meeks split out wide to stretch the Jets' base defense.NegativeRoleSep 28, 2026
Combined with Brock Wright for five catches and 51 yards, but blocking was underwhelming upon initial viewing. LaPorta blew his block on Detroit's critical fourth-down failed run and wasn't the only time his man made a big play in the run game. The source reserves the right to change opinion upon replay but was underwhelmed by the perimeter blocking by the tight ends.PositiveProjectionSep 27, 2026
LaPorta is projected to record 5+ catches against the Jets, averaging 5.5 catches per game this season. He has caught 11 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown so far. Goff has been loving having LaPorta back in the lineup and frequently targets him as a friendly checkdown option. The source believes LaPorta can easily reach five catches despite Jets linebackers led by DeMario Davis making things difficult. LaPorta 5+ catches is featured in the bold parlay at -118 odds.NegativeDepth ChartSep 27, 2026
Projected starter at tight end for the Lions in Week 3 vs. Jets.PositiveProjectionSep 26, 2026
The source predicts LaPorta will have a big game against the Jets because the Jets' defensive focus on containing All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown should leave LaPorta to operate over the rest of the field with bracket coverage pulled away; additionally, LaPorta's run-blocking impact is underappreciated and could be key to helping Jahmyr Gibbs break big runs that shift the game.PositiveMatchupSep 23, 2026
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta thrives over the middle of the field, where the Jets defense has shown vulnerabilities. Jordan Love's most effective work against the Jets came over the middle, suggesting LaPorta should see favorable matchup conditions in Week 3.NegativeUsageSep 22, 2026
LaPorta was targeted on the Lions' opening play against Buffalo on a play-action tight end screen pass to the short side in 11 personnel. The source calls this a good call to open the game, breaking two Lions tendencies (run the ball and attack the intermediate middle). However, LaPorta was forced to adjust back inside closer to pursuit defenders due to left guard Ben Bartch's blocking mistake on the play.PositiveUsageSep 22, 2026
Sam LaPorta was a target for Jared Goff against Buffalo, receiving tight-window throws over the middle. LaPorta's involvement in the passing game demonstrates his role in the Lions' offense despite the team's overall struggles.PositiveRoleSep 21, 2026
Contributions could see an uptick; has been impactful when called upon and resolute as a blocker, suggesting upside for increased offensive involvement as Lions offense continues to develop.NegativeInjurySep 20, 2026
Sam LaPorta looks like himself after last year's scary back injury, indicating a successful return to form and health after a significant injury concern.PositiveRoleSep 18, 2026
Sam LaPorta continues to look more and more like himself, finishing the game with six catches, 52 yards, and a touchdown. The source notes this positive performance trend despite the rest of the tight end crew dragging the position's grade down.PositiveUsageSep 18, 2026
LaPorta received a full workload, playing 64 snaps (98%), as expected for the Lions' primary tight end. The source notes that backup tight ends saw their snaps scaled back in Week 2 as the Lions deployed more 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR sets), reinforcing LaPorta's role as the featured tight end.PositiveRoleSep 18, 2026
Lions TE stepped up in the receiving game when Detroit was down significantly, showing he can contribute when the offense needs to pass late in games.PositiveUsageSep 17, 2026
Week 1: 8 targets, 82.9% route share; becomes a PPR engine if Detroit trails and throws more. LaPorta is part of Detroit's passing game infrastructure alongside St. Brown in the script where Detroit is forced into higher volume.PositiveProjectionSep 17, 2026
Fanduel Sportsbook prop: anytime touchdown (-195, paired with Amon-Ra St. Brown) vs. Buffalo. In Week 1, LaPorta had five catches for 48 yards and was targeted on a designed red-zone play that fell incomplete. The prop requires either LaPorta or St. Brown to score, so LaPorta's red-zone involvement and opportunity suggest he can find the end zone.NegativeDepth ChartSep 17, 2026
Projected starter at tight end for the Lions in Week 2 against Buffalo.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
The Lions tight end is back in action after missing the last half of the 2025 season to a back injury. The Lions have publicly stated they are interested in making LaPorta a long-term player in the organization, and he is eligible for a contract extension, signaling organizational commitment to his role.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Tight end featured in zone-blocking scheme where LaPorta slides inside with a lead fold block into the play-side zone scheme, similar to the CRUNCH concept but with different blocking action; also noted for strong combination blocks with Penei Sewell on power concepts, initiating double-teams before peeling off to block second-level linebackers.NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
LaPorta played 62 snaps (81%) in Week 1, leading the Lions' tight end rotation. The source notes no real surprises in the distribution of snaps among the three top tight ends, consistent with previous years' usage patterns.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Solid Week 1 showing with 5 catches on 8 targets for 48 yards and impressive blocking performance. LaPorta looked particularly impressive as a blocker on goal-line situations, contributing to the Lions' strong offensive line performance (A- grade). Overall a ho-hum day beyond the receiving stats, which is not a bad thing.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Was impactful as both a receiver and blocker in Week 1 against New Orleans; contributed to the Lions' offensive performance despite overall second-half stagnation.PositiveUsageSep 13, 2026
LaPorta caught a 19-yard pass from Goff early in Detroit's first scoring drive, contributing to the Lions' efficient offensive opening.PositiveProjectionSep 13, 2026
LaPorta anytime touchdown at +160 is recommended. His return is expected to be a major factor for the Lions offense; the source notes that his return was slightly overlooked during the offseason despite improvements to the offensive line. The Saints will focus heavily on stopping the run and Gibbs, which should open up passing game opportunities. LaPorta's size makes him a red-zone target when Detroit needs a big body to snag a ball.NegativeDepth ChartSep 13, 2026
Sam LaPorta is listed as the projected starter at tight end for the Lions' Week 1 matchup against the Saints.PositiveMatchupSep 11, 2026
LaPorta is positioned as an elite slot weapon who will be heavily targeted by Jared Goff in the Lions' game plan against the Saints' Cover-3 scheme. The Saints run a base 3-4 front with a modified Vic Fangio zone-match coverage that keeps bodies up front and jams passing lanes, creating intermediate-range vulnerabilities. Goff, known for his accuracy, will look to get the ball to LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot and let them win with yards after the catch (YAC).PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who previously helped Cardinals tight end Trey McBride set NFL records, expressed enthusiasm for Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta's versatility; Petzing noted LaPorta is 'very dynamic in the passing game' with 'great body control, great hands, really good route runner,' and praised his ability to execute pass pro, play in the run game, and work 'off the ball and on the move or outside the core'—capabilities Petzing says 'very few guys in the league' can perform 'at such a high level,' which 'does put a lot of stress on a defense.'PositiveInjurySep 9, 2026
LaPorta took an awkward hit that caused his hip to flare up, forcing him to miss a little over a week before returning to practice in the final days before cutdowns. Getting cleared from the injury report this week is a great sign that he will play in Week 1 against the Saints.NegativeInjurySep 9, 2026
Tight end Sam LaPorta followed back surgery with a hip injury in August, creating availability concerns heading into the 2026 season. NFL.com's Nick Shook flags this injury combination as problematic, though he still projects the Lions to have the edge over the Saints in Week 1.NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
Tight end Sam LaPorta remains a long-term priority for the Lions despite injury complications delaying contract extension talks. Holmes reiterated the team's commitment: 'We still want to keep those guys around. Those plans haven't changed,' though he acknowledged 'There's a couple factors that we've still got to sort through.' This contrasts with Jack Campbell and Jahmyr Gibbs, who were already extended despite being drafted the same year.NegativeInjurySep 2, 2026
Sam LaPorta is listed as the projected starter at tight end but carries a hip injury designation heading into the regular season.PositiveRoleAug 31, 2026
LaPorta is the Lions' starting tight end and likely third in the receiving pecking order; the source describes him as an elite player when healthy, contributing both as a receiver and blocker, though he has battled injuries.NegativeDepth ChartAug 31, 2026
LaPorta is the Lions' TE1, with the team expected to use two- and three-tight end formations frequently in 2026.NegativeDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
LaPorta is projected as the TE1 on the Lions' 53-man roster.NegativeInjuryAug 29, 2026
Recent hip injury; status for preseason Game 3 against Colts uncertain as he is listed among projected starters.PositiveUsageAug 27, 2026
LaPorta was targeted multiple times in the scrimmage, catching a play-action screen pass for 18 yards in Drive #4 and appearing as a wide-open target on a pass from Jared Goff in Drive #5 that would have gained at least 20 yards before the whistle came. His involvement suggests continued role in the Lions passing game.PositiveInjuryAug 25, 2026
Returned to practice after suffering a knee injury the previous week. Dan Campbell had previously indicated the injury could leak into the regular season, but LaPorta not only returned but received plenty of team reps during Tuesday's practice, suggesting a faster-than-feared recovery trajectory.NegativeInjuryAug 23, 2026
Sam LaPorta did not play (DNP) in the preseason game against the Commanders due to injury.NegativeInjuryAug 22, 2026
Recently suffered a hip injury; the recent injury could open the door to the Lions rostering four tight ends this season, creating uncertainty about the TE depth chart.NegativeInjuryAug 20, 2026
Tight end not practicing due to new hip injury; the injury is not considered serious, but Campbell expressed uncertainty about whether LaPorta could miss the start of the season, saying 'I don't know. I feel like we'll be okay, but I don't know.'NegativeInjuryAug 20, 2026
Star tight end suffered a hip injury in practice and is being held out to let it calm down. Coach Dan Campbell said LaPorta "got hit in the hip, and it just flared up a little bit. It's aggravated, but we feel good long-term about him." When asked if the injury could sideline him at the start of the regular season, Campbell was non-committal: "I don't know. I feel like we'll be okay, but I don't know." This is particularly concerning given LaPorta spent his entire offseason recovering from back surgery that caused him to miss the final eight games of the 2025 season. His availability for Week 1 remains uncertain.