LaPorta Hip Injury Scare: Lions Star TE Status Uncertain for Playoffs
Detroit Lions Injury Report: What’s Happening with Sam LaPorta and Other Players?
Updated: August 20, 2026 | 12:50 PM ET | Allen Park, Michigan
The Big Picture
The Detroit Lions are dealing with a few bumps and bruises as they get ready for the regular season. Think of it like when you’re getting ready for a big soccer tournament but some of your teammates have owies — the coaches have to decide who plays, who rests, and who needs more time to heal.
Sam LaPorta: The Star Tight End with a Sore Hip
What Happened?
Sam LaPorta is the Lions’ star tight end (that’s a player who catches passes and blocks — like a mix between a wide receiver and an offensive lineman). He’s entering his fourth season with the team.
- Wednesday: Missed practice
- Injury: Hip — got hit "the other night" and it "flared up a little bit"
- Coach Dan Campbell says: "It’s a little aggravated. But we feel good long term about him. We’re resting him for a little bit here and letting it calm down."
The Million-Dollar Question: Will He Be Ready for Week 1?
The regular season starts September 13 — that’s less than a month away!
Coach Campbell’s honest answer: "I don’t know. I feel like we’ll be OK, but I don’t know."
Important Context: Last Year’s Injury
This isn’t LaPorta’s first rodeo with injuries:
- Missed 8 games in 2025 due to a herniated disk in his back
- Happened in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders
- Before the injury: Was on pace for a career year — averaging 54.3 yards per game
ELI5 Explanation: A herniated disk is like when the squishy cushion between your back bones gets squashed and pokes out. It hurts a lot and can make it hard to move.
Other Injury Updates
1. Ben Bartch — Offensive Lineman (Concussion Protocol)
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Position | Offensive Lineman (protects the quarterback) |
| Injury | Concussion |
| Missed Practices | Monday & Wednesday |
| Current Status | In concussion protocol |
| Background | Veteran player trying to win the starting Left Guard job from Christian Mahogany |
| Previous Issue | Missed time earlier in camp recovering from a foot injury that ended his 2025 season |
Coach Campbell on Bartch’s chances: "It’s real hard to say that (he can win the LG role) over four practices or whatever (we have left in training camp)… that window is shrinking right now. The most important thing is for him to get to where he feels right again…"
ELI5: A concussion is a brain injury from a hit to the head. The "protocol" is a strict step-by-step process doctors use to make sure a player is 100% safe before returning. No shortcuts allowed!
2. Jimmy Rolder — Rookie Linebacker (Hamstring)
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Position | Linebacker (defensive player who tackles and covers) |
| Injury | Hamstring (muscle on back of thigh) |
| Practice Status | Won’t practice before end of training camp |
| Expected Return | Early in the regular season |
| Note | Rookie = first-year player |
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
Good News: LaPorta’s hip issue is considered minor — the team is being cautious, not panicked.
Watch This: LaPorta’s back injury history means the Lions will be extra careful with any new issue.
Concern: Ben Bartch’s concussion + previous foot injury = tough spot for winning a starting job.
Positive: Jimmy Rolder (rookie) should be back early in the season — not a long-term worry.
What Happens Next? (Timeline)
- Right Now → LaPorta rests, Bartch follows concussion protocol, Rolder rehabs hamstring
- Next ~2 Weeks → Final training camp practices — last chances to impress coaches
- Early September → Final roster cuts (teams must shrink from ~90 to 53 players)
- September 13 → REGULAR SEASON BEGINS
- Week 1 and Beyond → See who’s actually on the field for Game 1!
Quick Summary
| Player | Position | Injury | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam LaPorta | Tight End (Star) | Hip (aggravated) | Day-to-day, optimistic long-term, Week 1 uncertain |
| Ben Bartch | Offensive Line | Concussion + past foot injury | In protocol, starting job window closing fast |
| Jimmy Rolder | Linebacker (Rookie) | Hamstring | Out rest of camp, expected back early season |
Bottom Line: The Lions are being smart and careful with their players. It’s better to miss a few August practices than September games!
FAQ — Your Questions Answered
1. What exactly is a "tight end" and why is LaPorta so important?
A tight end is like a Swiss Army knife player — they line up next to the offensive line but can also run out and catch passes like a receiver. LaPorta is elite at both. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best in the NFL. Losing him hurts the offense a LOT.
2. What is "concussion protocol" and why does it take so long?
It’s a 5-step medical process mandated by the NFL and doctors. A player must pass each step (symptom-free at rest → light exercise → sport-specific drills → non-contact practice → full contact) without symptoms returning. It protects players from long-term brain damage. No exceptions — even for stars.
3. Why does Coach Campbell keep saying "I don’t know" about LaPorta?
He’s being honest! Hip injuries can be tricky — sometimes they feel fine one day and hurt the next. Campbell doesn’t want to promise "he’ll play Week 1" and then have to backtrack. "I don’t know" = "We’re taking it day by day."
4. What happens if Bartch can’t win the starting Left Guard job?
Christian Mahogany (the other guy competing) would likely start. Bartch would be a backup — still valuable! NFL teams need 8-9 offensive linemen because injuries happen all the time. A veteran backup who knows the system is gold.
5. Should I be worried about the Lions’ season based on these injuries?
Short answer: No. Every team has injuries in August. The Lions are 1) being cautious, 2) have depth at most spots, and 3) have time before real games count. Panic button stays in the box until September!
Final Thought
"Training camp is for getting ready. The regular season is for real." — Every NFL Coach Ever
The Lions are doing exactly what smart teams do: protect their best players, follow medical rules strictly, and give rookies time to heal. Come September 13, we’ll see who’s lining up for that first snap. Until then — trust the process!
Source: Detroit News | Reporter: Richard Silva (@rich_silva18)