Sam LaPorta Fully Cleared for Lions Training Camp After Back Surgery
Detroit's top tight end has been given the green light following a microdiscectomy, a timely boost for an offense that has absorbed plenty of bad news this offseason.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has been fully cleared for training camp after undergoing back surgery, according to a report Tuesday from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The 25-year-old had a microdiscectomy last season to repair a fully herniated disk, and per the report he received full clearance earlier this month. The timing works out neatly for Detroit, with veterans set to report to camp next week.
How serious was Sam LaPorta's back injury?
Serious enough to require surgery. LaPorta played through a fully herniated disk before undergoing a microdiscectomy, a procedure that removes the portion of the disk pressing on the nerve. He was limited to nine games last season, catching 40 passes for 489 yards and three touchdowns before the injury ended his year. Back surgeries always come with some uncertainty for players whose jobs involve blocking defensive ends and absorbing hits over the middle, which is why a full clearance, rather than a modified ramp-up plan, is the outcome Detroit was hoping for. Getting that clearance in early July, weeks before veterans report, suggests the recovery stayed on schedule.
What does a healthy LaPorta mean for the Lions offense?
A lot, frankly. LaPorta has been one of the most productive tight ends in football since Detroit took him in the second round in 2023, piling up 186 catches for 2,104 yards and 20 touchdowns across three seasons. His rookie year remains the benchmark: 86 receptions, 889 yards, 10 touchdowns, a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors. Dan Campbell's offense leans on him as a safety valve, a red zone target and a willing blocker in the run game. With Frank Ragnow retired and Graham Glasgow sliding to center, and Penei Sewell chasing a bounce-back season up front, having LaPorta back at full strength gives the passing game one fewer question mark.
Is there a contract angle to watch here?
Yes, and it adds real stakes to the season. LaPorta is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this year, so his health and production over the next several months will shape what could be a significant payday. A full return to his rookie-year form would put him in the conversation with the highest-paid tight ends in the league, while another injury-shortened campaign would complicate negotiations for both sides. For a Lions team already managing Brian Branch's recovery from a torn Achilles with no set timetable, keeping LaPorta on the field is both a football priority and a business one. Camp opens next week, and he will be a name to watch from day one.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Source - Lions' Sam LaPorta (back) fully cleared for training camp
Detroit Lions betting odds
Super Bowl futures, win totals & where to bet
FanDuel Sportsbook: New-customer welcome offer. New customers only. First online real-money wager only. Any bonus is issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire; eligibility and restrictions apply. See the current offer and full terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
21+ and present in select states. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). FanDuel is offering online sports wagering in Kansas under an agreement with Kansas Star Casino, LLC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, KY, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).
Fanatics Sportsbook: Up to $1,000 in FanCash Matched Bets. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV or WY. Apply the promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting the day of account creation. FanCash rewards equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash per day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
21+ and present in a state where Fanatics Sportsbook operates. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Touchdown Week may earn a commission when you sign up through our links, at no cost to you. Please bet responsibly.
