Sam LaPorta's availability for the Detroit Lions' season opener against the New Orleans Saints remains uncertain after suffering a hip injury during practice. The star tight end has missed multiple practices this week, and Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed the team will rest him to allow the injury to settle. "It flared up a little bit, it's a little aggravated," Campbell said. "But we feel good long-term about him."

Campbell acknowledged uncertainty about LaPorta's Week 1 status, stating, "I don't know. I feel like we'll be OK, but I don't know." The four-year veteran is expected to play a significant role in new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's system after missing eight games in 2025 due to a back injury that required surgery to repair a fully herniated disk.

Prior to this recent setback, LaPorta showed no lingering pain throughout camp. Quarterback Jared Goff has appreciated having LaPorta back during most of training camp. Last season, LaPorta recorded 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns.