Sam LaPorta Not Fully Healed From Back Surgery, Targeting Training Camp Return

Lions TE Sam LaPorta is "improving" but "not completely healed" from back surgery in mid-November, according to HC Dan Campbell. While a return this season was "very, very slim," the team hopes he'll be ready by training camp, indicating a more serious injury than initially disclosed. Campbell noted the surgery relieved nerve stress, but acknowledged the ongoing back issue adds short- and long-term health risk. LaPorta's rehab will be a key offseason storyline.