Primed for TE-friendly scheme
LaPorta (back) is expected to be full go for training camp after he was limited during OTAs and minicamp while rehabbing from back surgery, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
LaPorta remains Detroit's clear top tight end after a 2025 season in which he was limited to nine games due to a herniated disc, and the arrival of new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing could be especially relevant for his 2026 fantasy outlook. Twentyman notes that under Petzing, the Cardinals' offense leaned heavily on multiple-tight end packages last year, ranking close to the top of the league in usage of 12 and 13 personnel. Brock Wright and Tyler Conklin give the Lions depth and formation flexibility, but a healthy LaPorta will remain the position group's clear primary receiving threat. As has been the case in recent seasons, the main thing clouding LaPorta's outlook will be target competition, with Jared Goff also spreading the ball between wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Isaac TeSlaa, plus Pro Bowl RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
More Detroit Lions Fantasy Football News
Isaac TeSlaa
Athleticism jump standing out
Lions wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery said Sunday that TeSlaa looks stronger and more athletic entering Year 2, Jacob Richman of MLive.com reports.
Isiah Pacheco
Embracing complementary role
Pacheco appears locked into Detroit's No. 2 running back role behind Jahmyr Gibbs as training camp approaches, Ben Raven of MLive reports.
Jameson Williams
Slated to maintain key role
Ahead of training camp, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Williams and Isaac TeSlaa are projected as the Lions' starting wide receivers, Christian Boohe of SI.com reports.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Looked good at minicamp
Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site relayed following the team's recent minicamp that St. Brown "looks a little stronger and more explosive heading into his sixth season."
Isaac TeSlaa
Showing maturity entering Year 2
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday at mandatory minicamp that TeSlaa has "impressed" the coaching staff this offseason and already "feels like a veteran," Tim Twentyman of the team's official site reports.
Sam LaPorta
Trending in right direction
Coach Dan Campbell said that LaPorta (back), who was a partial participant in Tuesday's mandatory minicamp practice, could be cleared for the start of training camp next month, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "We like where he's going," Campbell said of the tight end Tuesday. "He's trending the right way."
Sam LaPorta
Practices Thursday
LaPorta (back) participated in Detroit's second open practice of OTAs on Thursday, Tim Twentyman of detroitlions.com reports.
Kendrick Law
Tears ACL on Tuesday
Coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Law tore his ACL at practice Tuesday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
Jahmyr Gibbs
Gets "bell cow" label from Campbell
Lions coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Gibbs will be the team's "bellcow" in 2026, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.
Jack Campbell
Signs four-year extension
Campbell is signing a four-year, $81 million extension with the Lions, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.