League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Injuries

Lions consider signing Jonnu Smith amid LaPorta injury concerns

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 11:18 PM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Lions consider signing Jonnu Smith amid LaPorta injury concerns

Summary

The Detroit Lions are looking into signing veteran tight end Jonnu Smith as tight end Sam LaPorta's injury status remains unclear. LaPorta is dealing with a hip injury, and his availability for the start of the season is uncertain. With Brock Wright primarily serving as a blocking tight end, adding Smith could provide the Lions with a more dynamic option behind LaPorta. If LaPorta's injury sidelines him for multiple games, the team may expedite the move for Smith before the regular season begins. Smith was a Pro Bowler in 2024 and has experience that could be valuable in the Lions' offense.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Sam LaPorta's hip injury status is currently uncertain.
•Brock Wright's role as a blocking tight end limits offensive versatility.
•Jonnu Smith, a former Pro Bowler, may fill LaPorta's role.
•Detroit may act quickly based on LaPorta's recovery timeline.
•Lions' offense plans to utilize tight ends prominently.

Latest Updates

11:18 PMYahoo Sports — Lions Named Best Fit for Former Pro Bowl Playmaker

What they're saying

"
The injury status of Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta remains unclear. That, and a thin room behind him, make the Lions a great fit for veteran free agent Jonnu Smith, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.Knox notes that Smith was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2024 and could help fill the void […] The post Lions Named Best Fit for Former Pro Bowl Playmaker appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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