Sam LaPorta enters the 2026 season fully recovered from the back injury that limited him to nine games and 489 receiving yards in 2025, posting 22 catches for 228 yards and two touchdowns through four games on 32 targets. The 25-year-old tight end has shown strong usage as a reliable safety valve for Jared Goff, including a season-high eight receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 against the Panthers, while benefiting from new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s emphasis on tight ends. Minor preseason hip concerns resolved quickly, keeping him active on the injury report. With contract negotiations stalled and unrestricted free agency looming after the year, alongside competition for targets from Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, LaPorta’s volume and efficiency in Detroit’s offense will shape his final regular-season yardage total.