Detroit Lions NFL Draft Injury Report: Utah TE Dallen Bentley

Q: What is the injury status of Sam Laporta for the Detroit Lions?

Sam Laporta is dealing with a spine injury, which has created a greater need for tight ends on the team.

Q: Who is Dallen Bentley and what are his prospects in the NFL Draft?

Dallen Bentley is a tight end from Utah who is expected to be available in the mid-rounds of the NFL Draft, though he has a moderate medical concern level.

Q: How might the Lions address their tight end needs in the draft?

The Lions are likely to consider adding a tight end like Dallen Bentley in the draft to strengthen their roster following Laporta's injury.

The tight end position is a bigger need than expected due to the injury to Sam Laporta's spine. The Lions may choose to add to the TE room in the draft. Dallen Bentley is a prospect who should be available in the mid-rounds but has a moderate medical concern level.

Here is the excerpt from my medical report on Bentley:

(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)

Dallen Bentley, TE (25) - Utah

Projected round 4-5. Ran 4.62 40 at combine. Matt Miller’s #181 overall player.

Concern level 4/10

2025: 13/13 games
2024: 12/14 games
2023: 7/14 games. Limited by hamstring.
HS: Tib/fib fracture

Lions’ fans are all too familiar with tib/fib fractures after Aidan Hutchinson’s in 2024. The good news is that bones generally heal very well with minimal to no residuals. The final two seasons in college appear to have been healthy for Bentley.

The biggest concern is his advanced age which is explained by an LDS mission.

Bentley finished college with 51 receptions for 640 yards.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions NFL Draft Injury Report: Utah TE Dallen Bentley