The Detroit Lions are continuously grinding at the Allen Park training facility to restore their path to the Super Bowl after missing the 2025 NFL playoffs with a 9-8 record. 

But not everything is going as planned. As highlighted by Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network, the Lions' newly signed tight end, Tyler Conklin, was missing from the mandatory minicamp session after a mysterious injury, which the front office has not revealed yet. 

“Also absent were tight end Tyler Conklin, who exited an OTA practice last week with an unknown injury,” Justin Rogers wrote while reporting on the updates on the minicamps. 

With speculations around Conklin’s absence from the minicamps, Jimmy Liao of the Lions Wire highlighted the fact that a routine contagious illness could be the reason for his absence. As multiple Lions players are suffering from it.

GM Brad Holmes signed TE Conklin from the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract to increase the depth at the position and to give injury insurance. 

But his absence is raising concerns among many NFL pundits, as Lions TE1 Sam LaPorta is still recovering from his herniated disc and limited exposure to the field, followed by Brock Wright’s recent recovery from his severe trachea (throat) injury. 

Conklin’s unavailability might raise some eyebrows, as it was the second time he was absent from the minicamp.

Amid his absence, head coach Dan Campbell has also not pointed out any new, serious injuries with the team, but he has also not explained his absence from the practise. 

But even with limited exposure, Sam LaPorta is making progress that might save the Lions' TE depth.

Sam LaPorta Delivers Encouraging News at Lions Minicamp

During the three-day mandatory minicamp, the Detroit Lions also received some good news, among which is the participation of the Lions' star tight end Sam LaPorta, per Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit. 

“We like where he is going,” Dan Campbell said before Tuesday’s minicamp session. “He is trending the right way.”

LaPorta, who suffered a season-ending injury and underwent surgery for a herniated disc, spent multiple ‌30-minute workout sessions in the field. 

He took part in the team’s walkthrough and jog-through sessions on Tuesday, showing steady recovery and the possibility of making a return ahead of the 2026 NFL season.  

Along with Dan Campbell, Steve Oliver, the new tight ends coach, also mentions‌ ‌Sam LaPorta’s progress in his comeback. 

With Tyler Conklin's absence during the OTAs, Sam LaPorta’s presence on the field is a good sign for the Lions ahead of the regular games.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker