Lions unsure if injured LaPorta will play Week 1

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Sam LaPorta's status for the Detroit Lions' regular-season opener is unclear after he suffered a hip injury. The star tight end sustained the injury during a recent practice and has missed multiple practices this week. Lions coach Dan Campbell said the team will rest LaPorta to let things "calm down," acknowledging he is unsure if the four-year veteran will be available in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 13. "It flared up a little bit, it's a little aggravated," Campbell said Thursday. "But we feel good long-term about him. We'll rest him for a little bit here and letting it calm down." Campbell was asked whether LaPorta's injury could potentially linger into the regular season. "I don't know," he said. "I feel like we'll be OK, but I don't know." LaPorta is expected to be a big part of the offense under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing after returning from a season-ending back injury in 2025, when he missed eight games. He underwent surgery in November to repair a fully herniated disk but wasn't feeling any lingering pain throughout camp before suffering the recent hip injury. Lions quarterback Jared Goff has enjoyed having LaPorta back at practice throughout the majority of this camp, and Detroit won't rush him back to the field. LaPorta finished last season with 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns.