When Sam LaPorta went down in Week 10 with a back injury, it didn’t just sideline one of the league’s most promising young tight ends - it reshaped the way the Detroit Lions operated offensively. Without their go-to target over the middle, the Lions’ offense lost a key piece of its rhythm and versatility.
And the numbers back it up. In the nine games LaPorta played this season, Detroit averaged a scorching 31.4 points per game.
Without him? That figure dropped to 24.8.
That’s not just a dip - that’s the difference between leading the league in scoring and sitting outside the top 10.
LaPorta’s injury, which he revealed was a fully herniated disc suffered during the Week 10 matchup against Washington, wasn’t just a nagging issue - it was a season-ender. He explained that the damage was cumulative, with hits and falls from prior weeks setting the stage for the final blow.
After undergoing surgery, the tight end is now focused on his rehab, with the goal of being ready for training camp. And while there’s optimism that he’ll be good to go for Week 1 next season, back injuries are notoriously tricky.
There’s no such thing as a sure thing when it comes to spinal recovery, even for a young athlete.
That uncertainty has raised a fair question in Detroit: What’s Plan B if LaPorta isn’t fully ready to roll? While players like Brock Wright and Anthony Firkser filled in admirably, they weren’t able to replicate the impact LaPorta brought to the field. The Lions’ offense, particularly in the red zone and on third downs, clearly missed that reliable presence.
So here’s where things get interesting - and a little nostalgic.
There’s been some buzz around the idea of a reunion with former Lion T.J. Hockenson.
Now with the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, Hockenson's future is murky. He’s recovering from a significant knee injury, and with a hefty contract on the books, the Vikings may be looking to move on - either via trade or outright release.
The idea of bringing Hockenson back might stir mixed feelings among Lions fans. During his three-plus seasons in Detroit, he flashed Pro Bowl talent but didn’t always meet lofty expectations.
Still, his connection with Jared Goff was real. In 2021, when the Lions’ receiving corps was in flux and Amon-Ra St.
Brown was still emerging, Hockenson was Goff’s security blanket. Some might say Goff leaned on him too heavily, but in reality, Hockenson was often the only steady option in the passing game.
Fast forward to today, and a potential reunion could make a lot of sense - especially as a short-term insurance policy and long-term complement to LaPorta. Even if Hockenson isn’t the same dynamic threat he once was, he’s still a capable pass-catcher and an improved blocker, thanks in part to a Vikings offensive line that forced him into more protection duties than he probably wanted.
If LaPorta returns to form, pairing him with Hockenson could open up a two-tight-end look that’s becoming more common - and more dangerous - across the league. Just look at what the Ravens have done with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, or how the Bears have utilized Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland.
Two tight ends who can block, catch, and create mismatches? That’s a play-caller’s dream.
For Goff, it would mean more flexibility and more trust. We’ve seen what that kind of chemistry looks like before - like when Josh Reynolds arrived and instantly rekindled his connection with Goff. If Detroit can replicate that with Hockenson, even in a reduced role, the offense gets a serious boost.
Of course, there’s the contract to consider. Hockenson is still under a four-year, $66 million extension, but only one more year is truly guaranteed.
Any team trading for him would take on a $16 million cap hit in 2026, with a small portion of his salary becoming fully guaranteed early in the league year. That’s not nothing - but it’s also not a deal-breaker if the Lions believe he can be a valuable contributor.
As for trade compensation, the price likely wouldn’t be steep. If Minnesota is leaning toward cutting him anyway, a late-round pick could be enough to get a deal done. Or, Detroit could simply wait and see if he hits the open market.
Here’s what we know for sure: The Lions’ offense is at its best with a reliable tight end in the mix - and even better when there are two. LaPorta is the future, no question. But until he’s fully healthy, and even after he is, having another proven option like Hockenson could be a game-changer.
In a league where versatility and depth are everything, this might be the kind of move that helps Detroit stay ahead of the curve - and in the hunt.