{
  "id": 2195379,
  "title": "Lions HC Dan Campbell Gives Uneasy Update on TE Sam LaPorta",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/lions-hc-dan-campbell-gives-uneasy-update-on-te-sam-laporta",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T18:19:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/lions-hc-dan-campbell-gives-uneasy-update-on-te-sam-laporta-12349253"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is dealing with a hip injury that has already kept him from participating in several practices this week. Head coach Dan Campbell revealed on Thursday that LaPorta is being rested in order to allow the injury to heal and calm down. However, Campbell expressed uncertainty regarding LaPorta's availability for the start of the 2026 season, stating, \"I don't know\" whether the star tight end will be ready for Week 1.\n\nLaPorta, drafted by the Lions in the second round (No. 34 overall) in 2023, has been a vital part of the team's explosive offense. After a strong rookie season where he recorded 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, his production has declined. In 2024, he fell to 60 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns, while last season saw him with just 489 yards and three touchdowns on 40 catches before suffering a season-ending back injury that required surgery and kept him out for nine games.\n\nDespite his diminished numbers, LaPorta remains one of the league's top tight ends. However, with his injury and questionable availability, the Lions could face a significant challenge at the beginning of the season when they host the New Orleans Saints on September 13th.",
  "summary": "Sam LaPorta's hip injury could linger into the regular season, according to Lions head coach Dan Campbell.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lions TE Sam LaPorta injured with hip issue",
    "Head coach Dan Campbell uncertain of LaPorta's availability for 2026 season start",
    "LaPorta once a key part of Detroit's offensive explosion"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}