Heading into their Week 2 matchup against the Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions are monitoring a couple of injury statuses, including starting left tackle Taylor Decker.
Decker was on the injury report for rest leading into Week 1 with a DNP designation last Friday, but played all 67 offensive snaps against Green Bay. The veteran offensive tackle is back on the injury report this week for a shoulder injury, and it's not clear if he’ll play.
On Thursday, Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network reported that Decker was not seen at practice. However, Rogers adds that Lions OC John Morton expressed confidence about the veteran’s availability for Sunday’s game.
Lions Hoping Taylor Decker Can Play to Protect Jared Goff’s Blindside
This is now the second-straight day that Decker has not practiced, which is not good, as teams submit their final reports on Friday. Decker told reporters on Wednesday that he’s dealing with an undisclosed injury and is hopeful to play this week, per Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit.
The Lions hope that Decker can practice in some capacity on Friday, as the depth behind the veteran offensive lineman is not good. Veteran Dan Skipper, who is on the practice squad and would be next up at left tackle, has not returned to practice.
Therefore, Detroit would have to go with second-year offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, who made his NFL debut last week, but only played three snaps.
If Manu has to protect the blindside, you best believe that Dennis Allen will dial up a bunch of pressure towards that side.
Last week, Goff was under siege by the Packers’ defense, as he was pressured on 37.2% of his dropbacks, per Pro Football Focus. And that was with Decker on the field.
That said, one way to slow down a pass rush and help out a young lineman is by running the ball. The Lions’ running game left much to be desired as they had 46 yards and averaged 2.1 yards per carry. That has to be much better in Week 2 against the Bears.
However, first things first, the Lions will hope Decker is close to 100% as this week’s game is a must-win.