Lions’ Sam LaPorta has injured hip; Jimmy Rolder expected back early in season
The Lions opened the 2026 NFL preseason with a 16-14 loss in Cincinnati on Thursday.
The Lions opened the 2026 NFL preseason with a 16-14 loss in Cincinnati on Thursday.
Allen Park — Sam LaPorta is dealing with a hip injury, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Thursday afternoon.
LaPorta, entering his fourth season as Detroit’s star tight end, missed practice Wednesday while managing the issue.
“The other night, he got hit in the hip,” Campbell explained. “It flared up a little bit, 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.”
Asked if he’s concerned the injury could linger into the regular season, which begins Sept. 13, Campbell said, “I don’t know. I feel like we’ll be OK, but I don’t know.”
LaPorta missed eight games in 2025 because of a herniated disk he suffered in his back against the Washington Commanders in Week 10. He was on track for a career season before getting hurt, averaging 54.3 yards per game.
Other injury updates
▶ OL Ben Bartch (concussion): Bartch, who missed practice Monday and Wednesday, is in concussion protocol, Campbell said. It’s a tough break for Bartch, as the veteran hoped to push Christian Mahogany for the starting job at left guard. Bartch missed time earlier in training camp while working to come back from the foot injury that ended his 2025 season.
“It’s real hard to say that (he can win the LG role) over four practices or whatever (we have left in training camp),” Campbell said. “It doesn’t mean he can’t, but that window is shrinking right now. The most important thing is for him to get to where he feels right again and to where he can go, (where) he’s healthy, he feels good and he can start practicing. Then we’ll see. But that window is closing quickly.”
▶ LB Jimmy Rolder (hamstring): Campbell doesn’t see Rolder practicing before the end of training camp, but he does expect the rookie to be back sometime early in the regular season.
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