Overview
- Coach Dan Campbell said LaPorta feels better after surgery, stress was taken off a nerve, and he is rehabbing every day.
- Campbell cautioned that back injuries are unpredictable and said there was no scenario where LaPorta would have returned for a playoff run.
- LaPorta had back surgery in mid-November after a Nov. 9 injury and finished 2025 with 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine games.
- Detroit’s offense dipped without him, and with Brock Wright on injured reserve the tight end group struggled in short-yardage and the run game as points fell from 31.4 to 25.6 per game.
- The team has not provided a precise diagnosis, and LaPorta’s extension eligibility this offseason adds pressure to see clear progress before long-term decisions.