The Detroit Lions continue to suffer through injuries to key players on both sides of the ball as we move deeper into training camp and the preseason schedule.
On Thursday, Lions fans were treated to a new piece of surprise injury news as one of the team's top performers on offense is going to be sidelined. While no official word has been given at this time, it seems highly likely that the All-Pro selection will miss this weekend's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
Head coach Dan Campbell did not go into detail about the injury that starting TE Sam LaPorta is dealing with. Missing "a little bit of time" typically doesn't equate to a major injury issue, though, so Detroit may have dodged a bullet with this one.
Dan Campbell says TE Sam LaPorta will "miss a little bit of time."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 14, 2025
Lions Star TE Sam LaPorta Sidelined Right After Joint Practice vs. Miami
The surprise surrounding this announcement is more of a shock than the injury itself, from what we know thus far. LaPorta did not have any known lingering injury issues entering Wednesday's joint practice session against the Dolphins.
Fortunately, whatever the issue with LaPorta is must be a minor one. Lions reporter Dannie Rogers shared that the star tight end is only expected to miss "a couple of days." This should keep LaPorta in line to be the team's starter in Week 1, which is much more important to a player of his caliber than seeing spot minutes in the final two preseason games.
With LaPorta sidelined, fifth-year veteran Brock Wright will ascend to the TE1 spot for the time being. Entering his fifth season in Detroit, Wright has been a reserve option in the Motor City but has proven capable of producing when his number is called.
In 58 appearances for the Lions since 2021, Wright has recorded 56 receptions on 71 targets for 524 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. There is no scenario where LaPorta being sidelined is a good thing for Detroit. However, having a capable backup waiting in the wings always helps, and the Lions may have just that in Wright.
Detroit's final preseason game is just nine days away. Now, Lions fans have plenty to pay attention to as LaPorta works his way back to a healthy return.