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Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has been fully cleared to participate in training camp, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. A source told Fowler that LaPorta was cleared earlier this month, and he is expected to be a full participant when the Lions open camp next week. The team may still be deliberate with his early workload, but the expectation is that he is "full go."
This is the first major positive update for LaPorta since he was placed on injured reserve during the 2025 season.
The Injury
LaPorta suffered a fully herniated disc in his back during a Week 10 game against the Washington Commanders. He later described the injury as the result of an accumulation of hits and falls in the weeks prior, with the disc fully herniating in that game. When rehab failed to produce enough improvement, the Lions opted for surgery. LaPorta underwent a microdiscectomy and missed the final eight games of the season.
He spent the spring doing walkthroughs during OTAs and minicamp rather than full-speed work. Head coach Dan Campbell said in June that the team liked where LaPorta was trending.
Where His Fantasy Value Stands
LaPorta was on a strong pace before the injury. In nine games in 2025, he posted 40 receptions, 489 yards, and 3 touchdowns, averaging 54.3 yards per game. A full season at that clip would have approached his rookie numbers.
His career line across three seasons sits at 186 catches, 2,104 yards, and 20 touchdowns. He earned a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors as a rookie with 86 receptions, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns before a slight dip in 2024 (60 rec, 726 yds, 7 TDs) and the injury-shortened 2025 campaign.
Two straight years of declining counting stats may push his ADP down in drafts, which could create real value if he returns healthy. A full clearance this early is a strong signal.
There are a couple of things worth monitoring. Detroit brought in new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who previously worked with Trey McBride in Arizona, suggesting he knows how to use a tight end in the passing game. LaPorta is also entering the final year of his rookie deal, which adds motivation to have a big, healthy season heading into free agency. That contract situation is background noise for 2026 fantasy leagues, but it is not a concern for this season.
Bottom line: LaPorta is healthy, cleared, and motivated. He is a strong bounce-back candidate at a position where the Lions have leaned on him heavily since he arrived.
Skattebo botched a backflip at Fanatics Fest on Saturday and landed hard on his surgically repaired right ankle. He returned Sunday and said he is perfectly fine, blaming a bouncy floor for the stumble. Training camp starts in late July and he is expected to be ready.
