Sam LaPorta

Sam LaPorta enters the 2026 season as one of the better fantasy tight end bets again, but there is a little short-term risk to monitor. He returned to full participation after last year’s season-ending back surgery and looked on track for camp, but a recent hip injury has put his Week 1 availability in question.

The good news is that the Lions are treating the issue cautiously and still sound optimistic about the long term. That matters for fantasy because this does not appear to be a major structural setback, and Detroit has not indicated any trade, release, or role change that would dramatically alter his outlook.

When healthy, LaPorta remains a central part of a high-functioning Lions passing attack and a player who can finish as a top fantasy tight end if the touchdowns and target share cooperate. Even after the down, injury-shortened 2025 season, he was still producing at a useful per-game level before the back injury ended his year.

For fantasy managers, the play is simple: draft or hold LaPorta with confidence, but build in a small discount for the current hip concern and be ready for a slow start if Detroit rests him into September. If he gets back to full speed, he has the kind of role and red-zone upside that can make him a difference-maker at a thin position.