Detroit Lions tie up loose ends before regular season

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 25: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions looks to make a second quarter pass while playing the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 25: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions looks to make a second quarter pass while playing the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 30: Brock Osweiler #17 of the Houston Texans is sacked by Armonty Bryant #97 of the Detroit Lions at NRG Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 30: Brock Osweiler #17 of the Houston Texans is sacked by Armonty Bryant #97 of the Detroit Lions at NRG Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Newer problems

The Lions front office has also had to deal with a number of emerging issues resulting from things like injuries during late offseason, suspensions and legal troubles of players, and preseason roster adjustments.

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Just when it looked like the Lions had a decent line coming together, tackle Taylor Decker hurt his shoulder. His injured shoulder should be ready to play by mid-season, doctors say.

That threw a big monkey wrench into the works. Greg Robinson, acquired in trade from the Rams, has stepped in and is filling Decker’s tackle spot admirably.

Injuries have mounted for the defensive front. Kerry Hyder, last year’s sack leader who plays defensive end, was lost in the first preseason game to an Achilles injury.

Then, the Lions lost several other linemen to either suspension or injury.

Brandon Copeland and Jordan Hill are on injured reserve, while Armonty Bryant is suspended. The unit had little wiggle room talent-wise, to begin with.