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The Detroit Lions' first OTA of 2026 kicked off on May 27. There are some players with injury concerns coming out of the 2025 season to keep an eye on. I compiled a list of players to watch, along with their OTA activity expectations.
Here is the excerpt on Sam LaPorta from my Detroit Lions OTA Player Watchlist: May 2026:
Herniated disc surgery - November 2025
Last season, LaPorta suffered a herniated disc due to accumulated trauma. He was not seen pictured at offseason activities earlier in May, so his status at OTA will be noteworthy.
It’s uncertain exactly what kind of spinal disc procedure LaPorta underwent. Something like a microdiscectomy is a good possibility which can have a return-to-play of around 4 months. LaPorta is currently 6 months post, which means he could be ready right now.
OTA expectations: There is a pretty good chance LaPorta is available to do everything at OTA’s, although he may be limited as a precaution. If he is not doing anything at OTA, then the concern level will rise.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions OTA Medical Watchlist: Sam LaPorta TE
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Here is the excerpt on Sam LaPorta from my Detroit Lions OTA Player Watchlist: May 2026:
Sam LaPorta, TE: Will he participate in OTAs?
Herniated disc surgery - November 2025
Sam LaPorta to IR (back) suggests spinal issue. Common possibilities include
-Transverse process frac
-Spondylolysis
-Annular tear
-Stress frac
-Spondylolisthesis
-Facet or SI joint
-Disc inflammation or herniation
Maybe happened herewith #99 direct trauma to mid-back pic.twitter.com/DcmIGu03cp
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 15, 2025
Last season, LaPorta suffered a herniated disc due to accumulated trauma. He was not seen pictured at offseason activities earlier in May, so his status at OTA will be noteworthy.
It’s uncertain exactly what kind of spinal disc procedure LaPorta underwent. Something like a microdiscectomy is a good possibility which can have a return-to-play of around 4 months. LaPorta is currently 6 months post, which means he could be ready right now.
OTA expectations: There is a pretty good chance LaPorta is available to do everything at OTA’s, although he may be limited as a precaution. If he is not doing anything at OTA, then the concern level will rise.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions OTA Medical Watchlist: Sam LaPorta TE
Continue reading...
