Sam LaPorta Sidelined by Hip Injury Ahead of Lions Season Opener

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is missing practice time due to a hip flare-up, putting his availability for the September 13 matchup against New Orleans in question.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is currently sidelined with a hip injury that has forced him to miss multiple practices this week. The veteran sustained the ailment during a recent team session, leaving his status uncertain for the regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 13. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, that the team intends to rest the star tight end to allow the area to calm down after the injury flared up and became aggravated. The 01:11 PM ET kickoff on opening Sunday remains the target date for his return, though no official clearance has been granted by the medical staff.

Key details

LaPorta enters the 2026 campaign looking to build on a previous season where he recorded 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns. His availability is a primary concern for a Detroit offense now operating under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. While Campbell expressed long-term confidence regarding the player's health, he remained non-committal when asked if the injury would linger into the regular season, stating, "I don't know. I feel like we'll be OK, but I don't know." This lack of a definitive timeline has shifted focus toward the depth chart at the Allen Park training facility.

This recent hip issue follows a significant medical history for the tight end, who missed eight games during the 2025 season due to a season-ending back injury. In November of that year, he underwent surgery to repair a fully herniated disk. Despite that invasive procedure, the athlete had reported no lingering pain throughout the current training camp until the hip injury occurred. Quarterback Jared Goff had been working closely with his primary target throughout the majority of this camp before the physical setback occurred during a standard drill.

The Lions organization is taking a cautious approach to the recovery process, opting not to rush the player back into full-contact activity. The injury was described by Campbell as a "flare up" that requires immediate rest to prevent a long-term absence. The team is monitoring his progress daily to determine if the inflammation subsides sufficiently for him to rejoin the active roster. Eric Woodyard, who has covered the Lions for ESPN since April 2021, noted that the team will continue to evaluate the joint as the mid-September deadline approaches.

Latest developments

LaPorta is expected to serve as a focal point for the Detroit passing attack following his return from the 2025 injured reserve list. His 489-yard output from the prior year established him as a reliable option for Goff in critical third-down situations. The coaching staff is currently prioritizing his durability over immediate practice participation, as the team prepares for the New Orleans Saints' defensive scheme. No specific timeline for his return to full-contact drills has been established by the medical staff or the front office at this juncture.

During the sessions he has missed, the Lions have had to adjust their personnel groupings to compensate for the absence of their leading tight end. The 2025 season saw LaPorta average over 12 yards per catch before the herniated disk ended his campaign prematurely. The current hip aggravation represents the first significant hurdle he has faced since completing his post-surgical rehabilitation program. Team officials have not yet placed him on any reserve lists, suggesting a hope for a quick resolution to the discomfort.

As the Sept. 13 opener nears, the Detroit medical team is focusing on mobility exercises and localized treatment to address the hip flare-up. Dan Campbell emphasized that the decision to sit the tight end was precautionary, aimed at ensuring he does not turn a minor irritation into a chronic condition. The Lions' offensive strategy heavily relies on the versatility of the tight end position, making LaPorta's health a central storyline of the final weeks of the preseason. Further updates are expected following the team's next scheduled walkthrough in Allen Park.