Who Should I Start? Dalton Schultz or Sam LaPorta

Sunday, January 18, 4:24 PM

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (calf) won't return in Sunday's AFC Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots after suffering a calf injury. Schultz exited the first quarter with a calf issue and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. The 29-year-old caught two passes for 47 yards before leaving. Cade Stover and Harrison Bryant will handle tight end duties and will see an uptick in targets with Schultz sidelined. C.J. Stroud is already without top wideout Nico Collins (concussion) and will now be without his starting tight end. If the Texans advance to the AFC Championship versus the Denver Broncos, Schultz will have a week to recover, but is considered day-to-day for now.

Tuesday, January 20, 7:10 PM

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.