Sam LaPorta enters the 2026 regular season fully cleared after recovering from 2025 back surgery that limited him to nine games and three receiving touchdowns, plus a hip issue that sidelined him through most of the preseason. The 25-year-old tight end has resumed full participation in a Detroit offense under new coordinator Drew Petzing, who previously elevated Trey McBride’s target share and production. LaPorta remains a primary red-zone option behind Amon-Ra St. Brown in a high-volume passing attack led by Jared Goff, though he will compete for looks with Jameson Williams and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. His efficiency metrics from limited 2025 action and rookie-year 10-touchdown pace support expectations for positive regression across a full schedule, provided he avoids further durability setbacks in his contract year.