The Detroit Lions came out of Thursday night's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs pretty well unscathed injury-wise, with a couple cramping situations that drew some level of attention (Brian Branch, Levi Onwuzurike). So it was a little concerning when it was reported by Kyle Meinke of MLive that left tackle Taylor Decker left the locker room wearing a walking boot
Decker played every snap against the Chiefs, with no apparent issue. Wearing a walking boot is a striking visual and cause for natural concern, but some times it's done as a precaution. And no one should ever question Decker's toughness, especially after he told a story to the "Pardon My Take" podcast last December about playing with appendicitis during a game against the Bears in 2020.
Head coach Dan Campbell of course addressed Decker's injury situation during his session with the media on Friday. The ankle injury apparently happened very early in the game. Campbell did not disclose the severity of it, pending tests, but it does not appear to be a big concern.
Dan Campbell takes opportunity to praise the toughness of Taylor Decker
Here's what Campbell said, via Pride of Detroit.
"Deck’s a tough SOB, man. To watch him battle out there, it was impressive. We’ll know a lot more in a few days, but I’m encouraged because I know, there again, he finished out that game."
Having some extra days before the Lions play the Seahawks in Week 2 will certainly help Decker be ready to go without missing a game. Over the last five full seasons he has missed just nine games, and eight of those were to start 2021 after a hand injury just before Week 1.
Decker is the longest-tenured Lion, a clear team leader and arguably (or maybe inarguably, if you ask a Lions fan) the most underrated left tackle in the NFL.
It doesn't seem like this ankle issue is going to cost Decker any games, but expect a limited practice or two early in the week when the Lions get back to work to prepare for Seattle.