The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 offseason with several roster questions to address, but one major concern appears to be easing. On locker room cleanout day, tight end Sam LaPorta provided his first public update since undergoing back surgery — and the outlook is encouraging.
According to Brad Galli of WXYZ Detroit, LaPorta expects to be running by OTAs and fully padded by the start of training camp, putting him on track to return without limitations for the 2026 NFL season.
Sam LaPorta Provides Positive Timeline After Back Surgery
LaPorta suffered the injury in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders. Initially, he believed he could return within two to three weeks and avoid injured reserve. However, his condition worsened in the days following the game.
“I was hoping to get back in that 2–3-week range, not even going on IR,” LaPorta said. “And then, in the days following the Commanders game, I was in a lot of pain. I felt like surgery was the best route and the team thought that too.”
The Lions tight end is now six weeks removed from surgery, and his comments have provided optimism about both his recovery and the long-term stability of Detroit’s tight end room.
Lions TE Sam LaPorta Expected Back for 2026 Season
LaPorta revealed that one of his vertebrae discs fully herniated, causing numbness and tingling — symptoms that understandably raised concern. Despite that, his recovery has progressed well enough that he feels confident he’ll be ready for football activities by May.
If LaPorta is cleared as expected, the Lions will regain one of the most reliable offensive weapons in their system when offseason workouts begin.
Sam LaPorta’s 2025 Production Showed His Importance
Before the injury, LaPorta was once again a difference-maker for Detroit. In nine games, he recorded:
40 receptions
489 receiving yards
3 touchdowns
According to Pro Football Focus:
82.0 overall grade (3rd among tight ends)
83.2 receiving grade (4th among tight ends)
Those numbers highlight just how difficult he is to replace.
Lions Struggled at Tight End Without LaPorta
In LaPorta’s absence, Detroit relied on Brock Wright, Anthony Firkser, Shane Zylstra, and Ross Dwelley, but production dipped significantly. The group combined for:
27 catches
188 receiving yards
2 touchdowns during the 2025 season
The drop-off was noticeable and underscored how central LaPorta is to the Lions’ offense.
Sam LaPorta’s Recovery Brings Relief to Lions Fans
Back injuries can be unpredictable, but LaPorta’s confidence this early in his recovery is a major positive for Detroit’s 2026 outlook. Having him healthy and available for offseason activities will allow the Lions to enter the new season with stability at one of the most important positions in their offense.
For now, Lions fans can breathe a little easier — Sam LaPorta appears on track to be fully ready when it matters most.
