One of the Detroit Lions’ key offensive players is going to be back in action soon.
Tight end Sam LaPorta has been cleared for training camp, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Fowler’s report from July 21 said that LaPorta was cleared earlier in July.
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The Lions’ 2023 second-round pick missed eight games last year after needing back surgery to repair a fully herniated disk. In nine games, LaPorta tallied 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns.
The fourth-year tight end has been unable to reach the highs of his excellent rookie season, when he caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. LaPorta earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro nods for his efforts that year, and he finished third in Offensive Rookie of the Year award voting.
PAT O’CONNOR: Former Lions, Bucs defensive lineman retires from NFL
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Detroit’s offense struggled last year in its first season since offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s departure, and the Lions fired replacement John Morton after the 2025 season. New Lions OC Drew Petzing was previously the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, directing an offense with a passing game that largely revolved around star tight end Trey McBride.
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LaPorta will get his first shot working with Petzing in a contract season. The former second-round pick did not have a fifth-year option on his rookie deal and is due to hit free agency after 2026.
When the Lions’ players report to training camp on Tuesday, July 28, LaPorta will be among them. Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman reported that the tight end is expected to be a full go.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sam LaPorta fully cleared ahead of Lions training camp
