Among the litany of injuries the Detroit Lions have dealt with on the defensive side of the ball, it's easy to forget left tackle Taylor Decker missed the Thanksgiving Day win over the Chicago Bears. A short week after being rolled up from behind and suffering a knee injury against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.
Dan Skipper filled for Decker at left tackle against the Bears, as he did in Week 10 against the Houston Texans, and allowed four pressures of Jared Goff (according to Pro Football Focus). The Lions have decided to keep Penei Sewell at right tackle when Decker has been out, which feels like the right move and the arrangement should continue if Decker is out again.
With the normal space between games now, before the Lions take on the Green Bay Packers Thursday night at Ford Field, Decker's status becomes a renewed question as the team gets back to work.
Head coach Dan Campbell was asked about Decker during his press conference on Sunday.
“Better and better. I still think he’s day-to-day", Campbell said. "I think it’ll come down to the wire with him whether he can go or not this week. He’s certainly better.”
That's not exactly the most promising of updates on Decker, but Sunday was early to reach any negative conclusions.
Taylor Decker injury update: Will the Lions LT play in Week 14?
Campbell made his weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket Monday morning (a day earlier than a normal week), and upon being asked about injuries he was also specifically asked about Decker's status.
"Decker, he's not ready to practice today. You know, he's improving. He's gotten better every day, every week, but I don't see him practicing."
Multiple reporters on-site at Allen Park on Monday confirmed what Campbell said earlier in the day, as Decker was not seen at practice.
Update, 4:20 p.m. ET: The official practice report from the team for Monday's practice confirmed Decker's absence.
Lions Monday practice report: pic.twitter.com/LjVJE35SQf
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) December 2, 2024
Monday is still a little early to reach any conclusions about Decker playing against the Packers on Thursday night, though not practicing is obviously not good news. Tuesday's practice report will be far more telling, with the final injury report of the week to follow on Wednesday.
Update, Dec. 3, 4:45 p.m. ET: On Tuesday, Campbell was not very optimistic about Decker playing Thursday night ("I don't feel as good about Decker this week"), and he did not practice again.
Update, Dec. 4, 4:25 p.m. ET: Decker has officially been ruled out for Week 14 against the Packers.