The Detroit Lions are banged up heading into Sunday night's battle with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions ruled out the likes of cornerback Terrion Arnold, linebacker Zach Cunningham, and defensive tackle Alim McNeill on Friday, and it turns out that they won't be the only names that head coach Dan Campbell & Co. will be without against the Chiefs.
The Lions revealed that they'll be without two key offensive linemen in Week 6, as tackles Taylor Decker and Giovanni Manu were officially ruled out on Saturday afternoon. Considering how Decker is the No. 1 left tackle and Manu is his backup, the stage has been set for Dan Skipper to be thrust into the spotlight this weekend.
All Signs Point to Dan Skipper Being Lions' LT1 in Week 6
Considering how the Lions promoted Skipper to the active roster earlier this week, it's safe to say they had a feeling Decker and/or Manu wouldn't play this week. Fortunately, the 31-year-old blocker is a known commodity whom Detroit fans know they can trust in a pinch.
Although he's spent time with seven NFL teams since 2017, most of Skipper's career has been spent with the Lions. A total of 54 of his 57 career appearances have come in a Detroit uniform, which includes 11 starts between 2022 and 2024. He displayed some impressive versatility during that stretch, playing at least 30 snaps at every offensive line position except center (0), according to Pro Football Focus.
Skipper hasn't played yet this season, but his 2024 performance gives fans a good idea of what to expect. He started five of his 17 appearances last year, allowing 12 pressures (seven hurries, four QB hits, one sack) while playing 137 passing downs. Was it perfect? No, but it's more promising than what Manu did in Decker's absence last week (17.5 pass block grade, two sacks allowed).
Skipper is the type of hard-working, do-anything player that HC Campbell loves to deploy each week. A strong performance against the Chiefs' defensive line would make the veteran protector an even bigger Motor City fan favorite than he already is, while giving the coaching staff plenty to think about once Decker and Manu are finally healthy again.