Sam LaPorta
Tight End #87
Sam LaPorta News
New Offensive Philosophy Could Help Sam LaPorta Break Back into Top Tier of Tight Ends
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta entered the league with a bang, finishing his 2023 rookie season as the TE1 and working his way to the top of most dynasty value charts. After a disappointing sophomore season and a 2025 campaign ended by a back injury after only nine games, his value sits as low as it has since he's taken a snap in the NFL. The Lions have made a change to their coaching staff for 2026, bringing Drew Petzing in from Arizona to serve as their new offensive coordinator. While the target competition in Detroit is much stiffer than what Petzing left behind in the desert, his tight end-friendly system was a not-insubstantial factor in Trey McBride's breakout, spraying his dominant fourth-year player with 302 targets over the past two seasons, including 163 for a record-breaking TE1 finish in 2025. LaPorta has already proven his ability to feast off a high-volume attack, and with his value still suppressed by injury, he's a high-upside buy-low candidate heading into his fourth season.
Mar 24, 2026 5:27 AM EST
Sam LaPorta Will Return from Injury to Find a Favorable System
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) missed the final eight weeks of the 2025 regular season, and when he returns in 2026, he'll find himself in a new-look offense. The strong supporting cast remains in place (minus David Montgomery), but we expect to see a new offensive scheme and style of play after Detroit made a coaching staff change. The Lions hired former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to the same role, indicating we could see even more emphasis on the tight end position next year. Petzing helped pepper Trey McBride with targets last year; the 26-year-old was the TE2 in PPR leagues in 2024, and the TE1 last season. LaPorta is looking to return to that type of elite form. He was the TE1 himself as a rookie in 2023, but he dropped to TE8 in 2024 and TE27 in his injury-shortened 2025 campaign. When healthy last season, LaPorta averaged 4.4 catches, 54.3 yards, and 0.3 touchdowns per game. If Petzing places an emphasis on getting the tight end even more involved, he'll make a strong push to be a top-five fantasy option at the position in 2026. Because he's coming off an injury, he's an intriguing buy-low option in dynasty leagues, as well as an underpriced draft pick at his ADP in redraft formats.
Mar 3, 2026 5:25 AM EST
Sam LaPorta in Line for Post-Injury Bounce-back
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was on a 17-game pace of 76 receptions for 924 yards and six touchdowns before a back injury prematurely ended his season. Expected to be healthy for the 2026 season, LaPorta should see heavy involvement in new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's tight end-friendly system. With Petzing calling plays in Arizona for the past three seasons, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has emerged as a fantasy superstar. While target competition in Detroit will be significantly stronger than McBride faced in the desert, LaPorta already has a TE1 season under his belt and is an obvious dynasty buy until his market recovers to its pre-injury form.
Jan 31, 2026 11:47 AM EST
Sam LaPorta Could be "Bigger Priority" Under New Offensive Coordinator
According to The Athletic's Colton Pouncy, blending new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's scheme with what the Detroit Lions already do on offense could make tight end Sam LaPorta an "even bigger priority in the passing game" in 2026. Former tight ends coach and current head coach Dan Campbell already clearly values the position. Before having season-ending back surgery, LaPorta was having a Pro Bowl season, catching 40 of his 49 targets for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine starts. Petzing spent two seasons as the tight ends coach with the Cleveland Browns, and he prioritized the TE position in Arizona, with Trey McBride being one of the best players at his position in the NFL. Petzing isn't expected to run as much 12 personnel (two TEs) in Detroit, given the investments made at the position, but LaPorta could be in for a nice bounce-back year in 2026 if he's healthy.
Jan 20, 2026 7:10 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Plans to be Back for Training Camp
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) said earlier this week that he's entering the next stage of his rehab from back surgery, and he plans to be fully cleared before the start of training camp at the end of July, according to Richard Silva of The Detroit News. LaPorta played in only nine games in 2025 before suffering a herniated disc in his back against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 9. In addition to his rehab, the 24-year-old will be focused on trying to ink a contract extension with the Lions this offseason. LaPorta burst onto the scene in his rookie year in 2023 with 86 receptions, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He wasn't quite as good in 2024, but he still had a 60-726-7 line in 16 games. Obviously, LaPorta's production suffered in 2025 due to injury, but he'll be a prime bounce-back candidate at the TE position in 2026 for the Lions.
Jan 7, 2026 7:18 PM EST
Dan Campbell Hopes to Have Sam LaPorta Back by Training Camp
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday that he hopes tight end Sam LaPorta (back) will be ready by training camp next summer, according to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. LaPorta wouldn't have been able to return for the playoffs if the Lions had made it, with Campbell adding, "he's improving, but yet he's not completely healed." The 24-year-old tight end underwent surgery after injuring his back in Detroit's Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. The Iowa product was in the midst of another great season before going down, hauling in 40 of his 49 targets for 489 yards and three touchdowns. LaPorta should be close to fully recovered by training camp and will again profile as a borderline top-five tight end option in fantasy football for 2026.
Dec 31, 2025 4:24 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Likely to Miss Remainder of 2025 Season
According to Detroit Football Network's Justin Rogers, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) is likely to miss the remainder of the season after successful surgery on his back. The 24-year-old was amid a rebound campaign, posting a 40/489/3 line before sustaining a back injury in their 44-22 win over the Commanders in Week 10. However, his status quickly deteriorated, and he's now facing a significant recovery. Fellow tight end Brock Wright (ankle) will operate as Detroit's TE1 in his teammate's stead, with Ross Dwelley working in behind him. Neither projects to be particularly useful for fantasy.
Nov 21, 2025 12:17 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Placed on Injured Reserve
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve ahead of the Week 11 Sunday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles. LaPorta did not practice this week and was ruled out before their primetime game against the Eagles. Through nine games, LaPorta has hauled in 40 of 49 targets for 489 yards and three touchdowns, ranking as the TE8 in PPR formats. LaPorta's absence should upgrade the other weapons across the board, especially Jameson Williams and tight end Brock Wright, who is questionable to play this weekend with an ankle injury. The next chance that LaPorta has to return is in Week 15, when they head to Los Angeles to take on the Rams.
Nov 15, 2025 4:13 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Ruled Out for Week 11 with Back Injury
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) has officially been ruled out for his team's Week 11 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a back injury. The exact nature of LaPorta's back injury is unclear, but it prevented him from logging a single practice this week. It's a frustrating development for fantasy managers, as LaPorta has been playing some of his best football of late. Over his last five games, LaPorta has recorded 24 catches for 312 yards and three touchdowns on 28 targets. Without him, veteran tight end Brock Wright (ankle) will likely see the majority of the tight end snaps for Detroit. Wright is listed as questionable for Week 11 due to an ankle injury, but is expected to play. Still, Wright does not profile as a fantasy-relevant tight end even without LaPorta in the lineup. Lions wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, as well as running back Jahmyr Gibbs, are the most likely players to benefit from LaPorta's absence from a target volume perspective.
Nov 14, 2025 4:01 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Not Expected to Practice on Friday
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that he doesn't expect to see tight end Sam LaPorta (back) at practice on Friday. Campbell said the team will know more about LaPorta's availability for the Week 11 showdown on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles later on Friday. The 24-year-old didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, so if he sits out on Friday as well, he'll be unlikely to play this week. LaPorta's shaky status makes things even more difficult for his fantasy managers this weekend, with Detroit playing the late game on Sunday. As things stand right now, fantasy managers should send LaPorta to the bench and look for another TE option if you don't already have one. The Lions have "sky-high" confidence in backup Brock Wright, but fantasy managers should be able to find better streaming candidates on the waiver wire.
Nov 14, 2025 12:25 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Misses Thursday Practice, Questionable for Week 11
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) was not present at practice on Thursday, putting his status for Sunday's tilt with the Philadelphia Eagles in question. The 24-year-old has hauled in 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns this season. If LaPorta is unable to go on Sunday, third-stringer Ross Dwelley could be called upon to fill in with Brock Wright (ankle) also missing practice time. Dwelley has just one target on the season, meaning quarterback Jared Goff will likely lean on the ground game, and wide receivers Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown if LaPorta is unavailable. Continue to watch reports over the next two days ahead of the matchup.
Nov 13, 2025 2:13 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Misses Practice With Back Injury Wednesday
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) was a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday due to a back injury, according to the team's website. LaPorta has two more chances to return to practice this week, but the 24-year-old's status definitely bears watching as the team prepares for a Sunday night showdown in Week 11 versus the Philadelphia Eagles. If LaPorta's injury is serious enough to keep him from playing this weekend, Brock Wright would get added opportunities in Detroit's high-scoring offense. However, fantasy managers would still have better streaming options at the TE position this week. If LaPorta cannot play, targets in the Lions' offense would probably be distributed more among running back Jahmyr Gibbs and receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. LaPorta has a nice 40-489-3 line on 49 targets through 10 weeks and is a must-start in fantasy when he's active.
Nov 12, 2025 6:53 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Provides Solid Production Despite Failing to Find the End Zone in Week 10
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had a modest outing in his team's Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders, recording five catches for 53 yards on five targets. The 24-year-old has now hauled in 40 receptions for 489 yards and three scores on 49 targets across nine games this season. Other than failing to score a touchdown, LaPorta's showing in Week 10 should be considered another step in the right direction from a fantasy perspective. After failing to earn five targets or five receptions in three out of the first four weeks of 2025, LaPorta has now hit both those marks in four out of his last five games played. As long as he can stay healthy, LaPorta should remain a consistent feature in the Lions' passing game. He faces a tough matchup in Week 11 when Detroit travels to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.
Nov 10, 2025 8:48 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Trending Upwards Heading into Favorable Week 10 Matchup
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had his best game of the 2025 season in Week 9, recording six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown on eight targets against the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old's production has been trending upwards in recent weeks. Across his last four outings, LaPorta has hauled in 19 catches for 259 yards and three touchdowns on 23 targets. He appears to be emerging as the clear number two option in the Detroit passing game behind star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. LaPorta has a favorable matchup on paper in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders. Washington ranks last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (8.8) and 29th in passing touchdowns allowed (19) through nine weeks. LaPorta profiles as a clear starting-caliber fantasy tight end in Week 10.
Nov 7, 2025 9:46 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Scores Physical Touchdown in Week 9 Loss
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught six of his eight targets for 97 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 9 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. His best play of the game was a 40-yard touchdown in which he withstood a bombardment of Vikings tackles and plowed his way across the goal line. The 24-year-old now has three touchdowns over his last four games and ranks as the overall TE7 in PPR leagues with 35 catches, 436 yards, and three scores in 2025. He should continue to be viewed as a top-10 fantasy tight end heading into Week 10 against the Washington Commanders.
Nov 2, 2025 8:59 PM EST
Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta Approaching Contract Extension Territory
Detroit Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta could be due for contract extensions during the upcoming offseason, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Gibbs has been terrific through his first three pro seasons. He totaled over 1,250 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns in each of his first two campaigns, and he's on track to surpass those marks in 2025. The 23-year-old is under contract through 2026, and the team will likely exercise his fifth-year option to keep him in tow through 2027. That leaves Detroit with time to extend Gibbs, but it could also be in their best interest to finalize an extension sooner rather than later. LaPorta, meanwhile, does not have a fifth-year option, so he'll hit free agency after the 2026 campaign. Schefter notes that it can be easier for teams to re-sign tight ends than some of the other positions, such as running back. Nevertheless, the Lions may have to pull off some cap gymnastics to sign Gibbs and LaPorta, as well as linebacker Jack Campbell and safety Brian Branch, after already paying significant money to Jared Goff, Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kerby Joseph, Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker, David Montgomery, and Jameson Williams.
Nov 2, 2025 7:43 AM EST
Sam LaPorta Profiles as a Low-End Starter in Tough Week 9 Matchup
Through his first seven games of 2025, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has recorded 29 catches for 339 yards and two touchdowns on 36 targets. Although LaPorta ranks second on the Lions in targets, he's been less consistent than fantasy managers would ideally like. The 24-year-old has failed to crack 40 receiving yards in four out of seven contests. LaPorta is facing a Minnesota Vikings defense in Week 9 that has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards (1,428) in the NFL so far this season. Across two games against Minnesota in 2025, LaPorta recorded eight catches for 88 yards and zero touchdowns on nine targets. This could be a matchup where fantasy managers would be wise to temper their expectations for LaPorta. He profiles as a low-end starting tight end option in Week 9 against the Vikings.
Oct 31, 2025 11:48 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Posts Quiet Week 7, Remains Must-Start Tight End?
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was held in check by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, recording three catches for 15 yards on three targets in his team's 24-9 win. LaPorta had recorded back-to-back games with five catches, 50-plus receiving yards, and a touchdown leading into Week 7, so his showing against Tampa Bay is a letdown for fantasy managers. LaPorta has recorded 29 receptions for 339 yards and two touchdowns on 36 targets across seven games so far this season. With an average of just over five targets per game, LaPorta will likely remain heavily reliant on touchdowns for fantasy production. Detroit has its bye in Week 8 before hosting the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9.
Oct 21, 2025 1:24 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Looking to Record a Touchdown in Third Straight Game Heading into Week 7
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has surged over the past two weeks, recording 10 catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns on 12 targets after hauling in 16 catches for 177 yards and zero touchdowns on 21 targets in his first four games played. LaPorta and the Lions will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 in a game that looks like it could turn into a shootout. Tampa Bay currently ranks 23rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,520). Detroit will be without both starting safeties and its top two corners, so the offense could be under immense pressure to keep putting points on the board. LaPorta profiles as a must-start fantasy tight end in Week 7 against the Buccaneers.
Oct 18, 2025 10:54 PM EST
Sam LaPorta Records Second Straight Game with Touchdown Catch in Week 6
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta hauled in a touchdown catch for the second straight week in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with five catches for 55 yards and a score on six targets. The 24-year-old has 26 catches for 324 yards and two touchdowns on 33 targets for the season. He's shown signs of increased usage over the past two weeks, earning 12 targets and recording 10 catches for 143 yards and two scores. LaPorta and Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams appear to be battling to be the second option in Detroit's passing game behind star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. Either way, fantasy managers have to be encouraged by LaPorta's production over his past two games, and he profiles as a must-start tight end heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Oct 13, 2025 11:03 AM EST
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