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2 Vital Lions Players Return to Playoff Practice on Thursday

By Joe Summers

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks with reporters about the third day of OTAs Thursday, May 25, 2023. Near the end of the press conference Campbell had fun taking a few questions about his t-shirt with GM Brad Holmes on the front.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks with reporters about the third day of OTAs Thursday, May 25, 2023. Near the end of the press conference Campbell had fun taking a few questions about his t-shirt with GM Brad Holmes on the front. / Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Detroit Lions are focused on preparing for a massive Divisional Round matchup with the Washington Commanders and just received excellent injury news on a pair of key players ahead of the contest.

Both offensive lineman Taylor Decker and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. returned to practice on Thursday, a major sign that both players will be okay to suit up on Saturday night.

For a team who has dealt with as many injuries as the Lions have, getting these guys back provides a major boost. This is a game that Detroit needs to win and should, though having these two makes it a lot easier.

Lions Get Big Injury News on Two Key Players Before Commanders Game

Rakestraw is officially questionable though these indications suggest he'll play, while Decker should be a full go. Decker started all 14 games that he appeared in and while Rakestraw only appeared in eight with no starts, he's still a valued member of the secondary given the long list of injuries.

Frankly, even if neither of these guys played, no one expects Washington to waltz into Detroit and pick up the victory. The Lions are mammoth 8.5-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook with -510 odds on the moneyline, meaning you'd need to bet $510 to win $100 on Detroit to win.

Decker's return may be more significant than Rakestraw's. He's a starting offensive lineman on one of the NFL's best position groups, and the Lions' path to the Super Bowl likely centers around the roster's supreme advantage in the trenches.

Originally a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Decker has spent his entire nine-year career with Detroit. He deserves the opportunity to help the franchise win a Lombardi Trophy for the first time ever and his presence in the lineup would go a long way.

More importantly, the Lions need both Decker and Rakestraw for any potential NFC Championship or Super Bowl matchup. No team has faced as many injuries down the stretch as Detroit has, adding to the level of importance that these guys suit up.

This weekend may not necessarily be in question, but future games will be. Hopefully, both Decker and Rakestraw won't suffer any setbacks moving forward.

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