The Detroit Lions need their tight end room to be healthy this season in order to reach their full potential offensively, and have recently been holding their breath as it relates to the status of Sam LaPorta.
LaPorta returned after an injury in 2025 only to be dinged up halfway through the preseason and training camp. Fortunately, things have settled down since, but there was a serious question about his availability just a week ago after Dan Campbell confirmed the injury, and also admitted he wasn't sure if the situation would linger into the season.
"Sam (LaPorta) the other night got hit in the hip and it just flared up a little bit. It's a little aggravated, but we feel good long-term about him. We're just resting him for a little bit and letting it calm down. I don't know (if it will go into the season). I feel like we'll be okay, but I don't know."
LaPorta has since returned to practice to shake off the injury rust, which is fantastic news. More than just the starter, though, the Lions need quality depth. So far this offseason, things are very unsettled at tight end, which makes the final days of camp and the preseason of utmost importance.
The Lions obviously hope LaPorta can be unbothered by the injury during the season, but more than that, they need to hope someone emerges behind him to give this group more teeth. The fact LaPorta isn't likely to see any time against the Indianapolis Colts only proves the most important plays are yet to be made.
Tight end positional battle now wide open behind LaPorta for 2026
Obviously, LaPorta's health is one of the biggest variables this season the Lions have. When he feels good and is on the field, he is one of the better weapons in all of football in terms of pass catching, blocking and playmaking at tight end.
This year, it's important for the Lions to have other options behind him in case the hip injury or anything else should come up. Last season proved why the Lions needed an extra bit of depth, because nobody was close to matching LaPorta's production when he was sidelined.
During the offseason, the Lions signed Tyler Conklin, and he showed up against the Washington Commanders with a two catch, 21 yard effort. It's been assumed Conklin could push Wright for a role, but he hasn't gotten off to a fast start in camp. Wright knows Detroit, and Conklin has been a veteran presence in the league.
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In addition to Conklin and Wright, Jackson Meeks has arrived in a big way. He was the leading receiver against Washington with 33 yards, and he did have a game-changing play on special teams to seal the win. He's been coming on strong at recent weeks at his new position of tight end.
Week 3 of the preseason may well determine what happens behind LaPorta. While it would be a good bet to assume that Wright and Conklin have an inside track given their experience, it's possible Meeks has done enough to warrant a surprise move when the final rosters are revealed.
Lions fans everywhere are left to hope that there are enough quality players behind LaPorta to fill in no matter what might happen this season. This group still has plenty left to prove.
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