Will Sam LaPorta play Week 1? Lions provide update on TE's hip injury

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is managing a hip injury that could affect his availability for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Coach Dan Campbell said Thursday, Aug. 20, that LaPorta was hit on the hip during a recent practice, leading to the injury and his absence from recent sessions. Campbell said the issue “flared up a little bit” and is being aggravated, but the team feels confident about his long-term outlook, adding that he will be rested “for a little bit here” to calm it down. Campbell did not guarantee LaPorta will be ready, responding “I don’t know.” LaPorta previously played only nine games in 2025 due to a back injury requiring surgery. Brock Wright is listed as the backup, with Tyler Conklin added in the offseason.