Sam LaPorta enters the 2026 regular season as the Detroit Lions' primary tight end after missing the final eight games of 2025 with a back injury that required surgery. He also dealt with a hip issue during training camp but has cleared the injury report ahead of Week 1 against the Saints and is expected to see significant targets behind Amon-Ra St. Brown in an offense led by Jared Goff. The 25-year-old posted 40 receptions for 489 yards in nine games last year and previously reached 889 yards as a rookie. Contract extension talks with the Lions could influence his role and motivation, while competition for targets and the team's overall passing volume will shape his yardage total across the full schedule.