The Detroit Lions are bringing back Dan Skipper to the team’s practice squad. As first reported by Dave Birkett of the Free Press, Skipper has signed with the team to bolster the offensive line depth.
Skipper rejoins the Lions after a stint on the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad. The 6-foot-10 tackle has been on and off the Lions roster multiple times since the 2017 season, including several stints on the practice squad. Skipper was with the Lions this offseason but suffered an injury in the final preseason game, later being waived off injured reserve. In nine career games on the Lions active roster, Skipper has played just 19 total offensive snaps.
Skipper is back because there is growing concern over starting left tackle Taylor Decker, who missed Thursday’s practice with an elbow injury. Decker made his 2021 debut in the Week 10 tie with Pittsburgh, returning from a finger injury that cost him the first eight games. Matt Nelson, the starting right tackle in Decker’s absence (with Penei Sewell at LT), is dealing with an ankle injury suffered in Sunday’s tie.
Skipper knows the offense and can fill in on either side in a pinch. Expect him to be elevated to the active roster for Sunday’s game in Cleveland.