Sam LaPorta enters the 2026 season fully recovered from the herniated disc that ended his 2025 campaign after nine games and 489 receiving yards. The fourth-year tight end has cleared all injury reports following a brief preseason hip issue and is expected to feature prominently in Detroit’s passing attack under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, whose scheme elevated Trey McBride in Arizona. LaPorta will compete for targets behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and alongside Jameson Williams in a high-volume Lions offense, while entering the final year of his rookie contract amid ongoing extension discussions influenced by recent tight end deals. His per-game efficiency remained strong in limited 2025 action, positioning health and target share as the primary variables for his season-long receiving yardage total.