Sam LaPorta Injury Update: When Will TE Return to Lions?
This Sam LaPorta injury update will look at how long he will be out for and will provide a potential return date. We will also look at LaPorta’s fantasy football stock, as well as Lions betting odds.
LaPorta has been one of the top tight ends in the NFL for the past few seasons. His 2025-26 campaign has been derailed by injury, however, and now many are wondering when LaPorta will return and be back in a Lions uniform.
🏥 When will Sam LaPorta return and be back with Lions?
The Lions placed LaPorta on injured reserve on Nov. 15 due to a back injury. He is eligible to return in Week 15 on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, having already missed the mandatory four games, but he isn't close to making a return at this time.
LaPorta underwent back surgery in late November, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that there is a very good chance that the tight end’s season is over.
“I think that we would be fortunate to have a chance to get him back for the rest of the season,” Campbell said. “I think that’s very, very slim.
“The good news is that the procedure went really well, long-term.”
If LaPorta is to return this season, it would likely only occur if the Lions made a deep playoff run. A return for a potential NFC Championship Game or Super Bowl 60 is a possibility but is far from a guarantee.
Nonetheless, here is a look at the Lions’ schedule down the stretch and a look at potential playoff dates.
- Week 15 Sunday, Dec. 14: Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams
- Week 16 Sunday, Dec. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions
- Week 17 Thursday, Dec. 25: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
- Week 18 Sunday, Jan. 4: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
- Wild Card Playoffs: Saturday, Jan. 10, Sunday, Jan. 11, or Monday, Jan. 12
- Divisional Round Playoffs: Saturday, Jan. 17 or Sunday, Jan. 18
- NFC Championship Game: Sunday, Jan. 25
- Super Bowl 60: Sunday, Feb. 8
⏳ How long will Sam LaPorta be out for?
The Lions have not stated exactly what type of back surgery LaPorta underwent. Based on the fact that the Lions have left the door slightly open that LaPorta could return this season, though, we can estimate that LaPorta had a moderate procedure.
Recovery from that type of procedure typically takes around 8-12 weeks. So, the earliest LaPorta could likely return is mid-January. The Lions could be in line for a Divisional Round playoff game the weekend of Jan. 17, if things shake out in their favor.
❓ Will Sam LaPorta be back for the fantasy football playoffs?
It is highly unlikely that LaPorta will be back for any portion of the fantasy football playoffs. Most fantasy leagues hold their playoffs in Week 15, Week 16, and Week 17 of the NFL season.
If LaPorta is to come back this season, it likely won’t be until the actual NFL Playoffs in January.
The third-year tight end was having another strong season before going down to injury. In nine games played, LaPorta has 40 catches for 489 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
The former Iowa star was going in Round 6, Round 7, or Round 8 of most 12-team PPR fantasy drafts this past summer.
🦁 Lions betting odds
The Lions are currently scratching and clawing to try to sneak into the NFL Playoffs. Super Bowl odds show Detroit with a +2000 price.
Dan Campbell’s crew currently has -122 odds to make the NFL Playoffs. They are +950 to win the NFC North at the best NFL betting sites.
Related Articles
