The questionable status for Detroit Lions starters Taylor Decker and David Montgomery led to considerable optimism for both standouts to return to action in Thursday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers. However, a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero from gameday morning throws a cold shower onto the excitement.
Neither Decker nor Montgomery are expected to play, according to Pelissero.
“There was some optimism early in the week, but I am told Montgomery is not expected to play tonight,” Pelissero stated early Thursday. Montgomery missed the Week 3 win over Atlanta with a thigh bruise.
The same was true of Decker, Pelissero said thereafter. Decker has been out since Week 1 with a high ankle sprain. That flies in the face of the genuine optimism head coach Dan Campbell showed for both players in press conferences during the week.
One bit of good news from Pelissero’s morning spot: cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is now expected to make his Lions debut in Green Bay.
If Decker cannot play, as Pelissero indicated, Penei Sewell will remain as the left tackle and rookie Colby Sorsdal appears in line to get his first NFL start while taking over Sewell’s regular right tackle position.
Update: Pelissero admitted he got the information incorrect. Kudos to him for owning it.
Correction: #Lions RB David Montgomery and LT Taylor Decker ARE playing tonight against the #Packers. CB Emmanuel Moseley is NOT playing.
There was a miscommunication, and I will just have to eat this one. I apologize for the error.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 28, 2023