Taylor Decker passed through his first two practices since being activated from the Detroit Lions injured reserve list. After being a full participant in the two practice sessions during the week leading into Sunday’s matchup in Pittsburgh with the Steelers, the Lions will finally have their starting left tackle in place.
Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn fielded a barrage of questions about Decker during his media session this week. One thing is clear from Lynn’s answers: he’s very excited to have No. 68 back in the lineup.
“It would be awesome,” Lynn said about getting Decker into the lineup vs. the Steelers. “I think he’s one of the best left tackles in the game if you ask me based on what I’ve seen so far. And to have him back on the field, that would help a lot.”
Lynn doesn’t seem too concerned about rust. Decker hasn’t played since taking the first 22 snaps in the Lions’ preseason opener back in August. He badly injured his left index finger in practice leading up to Week 1 and had six pins surgically inserted to repair the finger.
“I do believe he’ll hold up in protection, gives you a little more confidence to throw the ball down the field a little bit, but Decker is just as good in the run game. He is a big game, powerful man. So, with him and Jonah (LG Jackson) on the left side, if he can go this week, that would be great.”
Putting Decker back at left tackle kicks rookie Penei Sewell to the right side. Sewell has played pretty well in place of Decker, and moving him to the right against Pittsburgh is a best-case scenario. The Steelers roll with top pass rusher T.J. Watt almost exclusively attacking the right tackle, and Sewell should provide a major upgrade over Matt Nelson, who returns to his designated spot as the top reserve tackle.
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