Leaporta fully cleared from back surgery; Waldman now optimistic on recovery.
Sam LaPortaTEDET
Leaporta is fully cleared for training camp after back surgery for a herniated disc and is recovering nicely; Matt Waldman has shifted to optimism after Bob Harris made a compelling case that the back issue is less concerning than perceived; was seventh in points per game in the season he went down, establishing elite tight end credentials. Leaporta is projected to be a solid number four option in Detroit's offense with 70–75 targets; could increase that role with an injury to one of the three receivers ahead of him (Amon Ra St. Brown at 130–150 targets, Jameson Williams at 130 targets, Jamir Gibbs at 80–90 targets); reaching 90–100 targets is possible if Gibbs is used more in the run game or one of the top three is injured, but unlikely to exceed that without significant roster changes.
View Sam LaPorta 2026 fantasy football value pagePlayer profile with fantasy value, ADP, projections, news, and source-backed STACKED insightsSource transcript excerpt
Sam Leaporta sounds like he's recovering nicely from his situation, the back surgery, had the herniated disc. He is fully cleared for training camp. I know that doesn't excite Matt Waldman, but I'm a little enthusiastic about it. when he went down, he was what, seventh in points per game last year when he when he went a season that ended. I am now because I think Bob Bob made a compelling case a few weeks ago when we talked about him that the the back issue isn't as as um concerning as some people think. now we're looking at a range of him possibly being the very solid number four option in this offense and he might be able to increase that with an injury. the problem for me isn't Leaporta's talent or injuries at this point now. It's the fact that Jamir Gibbs, you know, is probably going to get somewhere between 80 and 90 targets. Aman Ross St. Brown's going to lead this team in targets, probably somewhere between 130 to 150. And then you got Jameson Williams who really has come on strong lately. I think he's at 130 targets. unless Jared Goff is gonna be throwing for 600, you know, attempts, I'm to me, I think Leaport is somewhere in the range of 70 75 targets.
Common questions
Sam LaPorta fantasy football FAQ
- What did Matt Waldman say about Sam LaPorta?
- Leaporta is fully cleared for training camp after back surgery for a herniated disc and is recovering nicely; Matt Waldman has shifted to optimism after Bob Harris made a compelling case that the back issue is less concerning than perceived; was seventh in points per game in the season he went down, establishing elite tight end credentials. Leaporta is projected to be a solid number four option in Detroit's offense with 70–75 targets; could increase that role with an injury to one of the three receivers ahead of him (Amon Ra St. Brown at 130–150 targets, Jameson Williams at 130 targets, Jamir Gibbs at 80–90 targets); reaching 90–100 targets is possible if Gibbs is used more in the run game or one of the top three is injured, but unlikely to exceed that without significant roster changes.
- Is this good or bad for Sam LaPorta's fantasy football value?
- STACKED tags this as a positive fantasy football signal for Sam LaPorta (TE DET). Leaporta fully cleared from back surgery; Waldman now optimistic on recovery.
- Where can I see Sam LaPorta's full 2026 fantasy outlook, projections, and ADP?
- Sam LaPorta's complete 2026 fantasy football outlook — projections, ADP movement across every platform, injury context, and all source-backed STACKED insights — is on their STACKED player profile.
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