Lions 2026 Training Camp Medical Preview: Tight End
Can Sam LaPorta make a full recovery?
The fate of the tight end room rests mostly upon the back (literally) of Sam LaPorta. If he can stay healthy, this is an excellent, well-rounded unit. If his spine flares up again, then the offense may need to substantially alter the tight end deployment strategy. The way the Lions handle LaPorta’s snap counts and usage will be intriguing to watch.
Beyond LaPorta, the health outlook is good amongst the mix of grizzled veterans and unproven youth. Here are the updated medical concern levels of the tight ends heading into training camp.
🟢0-3 Low medical concern
🟡4-6 Moderate medical concern
🔴7-10 High medical concern
(Age at start of season in parentheses.) Click on player name for full medical report if available.
KEY PLAYERS
🔴Sam LaPorta (25)
Medical concern level: 9/10
LaPorta’s herniated disc injury was due to accumulated trauma over time and placed #4 on last season’s Top 10 Injury List.
While there is little concern he’ll be available for Week 1, there is much more concern whether he’ll still be available in Week 17.
Once LaPorta starts taking football contact, his spine will start getting aggravated again. Will the aggravation be minor enough to play through? Or will the aggravation be severe enough to cause performance and durability issues?
OUTLOOK: LaPorta might start on the PUP list and will likely gradually ramp up during training camp to be ready for Week 1. There is a good chance he’ll be on load management during practice throughout the season to avoid aggravation of the spine. In games, his snap counts and blocking duties may be reduced to prevent recurrent hyperextensions of his back.
🟢Brock Wright (27)
Medical concern level: 2/10
His season-ending trachea injury from last year shouldn’t be a problem for 2026. He also has a history of a forearm fracture and hip injury in 2023 which are of low concern now.
OUTLOOK: Wright is entering his sixth year with the Lions and has become very familiar and reliable. He may take on an increased role given the health concerns of LaPorta.
BACKUP DEPTH
🟢Tyler Conklin (31)
Medical concern level: 3/10
A remote Jones fracture in college is the only significant history for Conklin. He missed some practice late in OTA and all of minicamp for unknown reasons. Age is starting to creep up.
OUTLOOK: We’ll find out early in training camp if there is an injury issue stemming from OTA. If so, Conklin could start camp on the PUP list.
Conklin has accumulated 270 receptions over his eight year NFL career. His receiving ability can help load-manage LaPorta and provide insurance in case LaPorta has a setback.
🟢Zach Horton (23)
Medical concern level: 1/10
Horton is medically clean, but he did miss some time early in 2026 OTA for unknown reasons. He appeared in two games with the Lions last season.
OUTLOOK: Horton’s year of experience with the team may give him an edge over the rest of the depth contenders.
🟢Miles Kitselman (23)
Medical concern level: 3/10
This UDFA rookie had pec surgery and a possible knee issue in 2025. He missed a bit of time during OTA for unknown reasons.
OUTLOOK: There is a realistic chance that this UDFA rookie could get some playing time during the season if there are any injuries to the players ahead of him. He’ll likely spend the season on the practice squad otherwise.
🟢Thomas Gordon (26)
Medical concern level: 0/10
This young TE appears to be medically clean, but has yet to appear in an NFL game. He was with the Bears last season.
OUTLOOK: This former UDFA is another young TE who the Lions hope can outplay his draft status.