On the eve of their second preseason game against the Washington Commanders, the Detroit Lions received crushing news regarding tight end Sam LaPorta. According to Lions coach Dan Campbell, LaPorta is out indefinitely with a hip injury.
Campbell said on Thursday that the Lions feel good about him long-term but don’t know how the injury will affect his status for Detroit’s season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 13 at Ford Field.
Last season, LaPorta missed the final eight games after suffering a herniated disc in November. LaPorta’s absence had a massive impact on the Lions missing the postseason with a 9-8 record. This time they’re hoping another potential injury doesn’t derail their season.
Lions tight end No. 2 competition heating up
As the Lions prepare for their final two preseason games against the Commanders at home and the Indianapolis Colts on the road, the battle for the tight end No. 2 spot is expected to heat up. Amid LaPorta’s recent injury, Conklin and LaPorta now have the opportunity to separate themselves in the competition for the Lions' tight end No. 2 spot.
Both players have a strong case for the backup role, and their performance throughout the rest of training camp and in the Lions' final two preseason games against the Commanders and Colts will determine who earns the No. 2 spot.
Wright has a strong case as an experienced returner for the Lions, but Conklin’s veteran experience could also be enough for him to earn the role. In his five seasons with the Lions as an undrafted tight end out of Notre Dame, Wright has recorded 70 receptions for 632 yards and 11 touchdowns in 69 regular-season games.
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Conklin has seen his fair share of success in the NFL with the three franchises he’s been with since being selected in the fifth round of the 2018 draft out of Central Michigan. Over his eight NFL seasons, Conklin has played for the Minnesota Vikings (2018-2021), New York Jets (2022-2024), and Los Angeles Chargers (2025).
In those eight seasons, Conklin has totaled 270 receptions for 2,645 yards and 11 touchdowns in 127 regular-season games. Conklin’s experience and reliability as a tight end may be enough to earn the second tight end spot for the Lions.
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