Sam LaPorta

LaPorta underwent surgery on a fully herniated disc suffered Week 10 vs. Washington, ending his season at 9 games. As of early 2026 Campbell called an early return 'off the table' and his training-camp status is uncertain; back injuries carry real recurrence and durability risk for a TE.

He enters 2026 in the final year of his rookie deal with extension talks (projected ~4yr/$68M) likely gated on how he recovers. KC trade speculation exists but is unlikely given Detroit's win-now posture.

New OC Drew Petzing is expected to lean into 12 (two-TE) and 13 personnel, which can raise LaPorta's route volume and red-zone usage when healthy.

No meaningful TE competition — only backup Tyler Conklin behind him, and Detroit added just an R5 WR in the draft. His path to elite TE volume in a top offense is fully intact if he returns to form.

Before the injury he was on pace for a career year (40/489/3 in 9 games, improved run blocking) in an elite offense alongside St. Brown, Gibbs and Goff — proven top-5 TE ceiling at age 25.