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Lions TE Sam LaPorta nursing hip injury, Week 1 status uncertain

By Thomson Reuters Aug 20, 2026 | 2:50 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta’s availability for the team’s season opener is in ​question, coach Dan Campbell ‌announced Thursday.

Campbell said the team is being cautious after LaPorta recently suffered an injury following a hit to ‌his ​hip.

“It flared up ⁠a little bit, ⁠it’s a little aggravated,” Campbell said. “But we feel good long term about him. We’ll just rest ​him for a little bit here, let it calm ⁠down.”

Campbell wasn’t sure ⁠whether LaPorta’s injury would ​extend into the regular season.

“I don’t ​know,” he said. “I feel like we’ll ‌be OK, but I don’t know.”

The Lions open their season on Sept. 13 against the ⁠visiting New Orleans Saints.

LaPorta, 25, recorded 40 receptions for 489 yards and three ⁠touchdowns ‌in nine games (all starts) ⁠before a back injury ​ended ‌his 2025 season.

A Pro ​Bowl selection ⁠during his rookie season in 2023, LaPorta has 186 catches for 2,104 yards and 20 scores in 42 career games (39 starts).

–Field ​Level Media