Tag: Taylor Decker

Taylor Decker named to Pro Bowl, replaces Penei Sewell

Lions LT Taylor Decker named to Pro Bowl, replaces Detroit teammate Penei Sewell

From one Lion to another in Orlando this week. Offensive tackle Taylor Decker was named to the Pro Bowl roster this week. Ironically, he’s replacing his teammate Penei Sewell.

Decker started 14 games this season and was among the top vote-getters from fans in Pro Bowl voting but was left off the initial roster. Sewell, Lane Johnson (Eagles) and Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers) were the initial three tackles.

Decker is replacing Sewell, who has an undisclosed injury. He was not on the injury report leading up to the Divisional Round against the Washington Commanders and played every snap in that game.

The three offensive tackles for the NFC are now Decker, Wirfs and Brian O’Neill (Vikings). O’Neill is replacing Johnson after the Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LIX following their 55-23 rout of the Commanders.

Joining Decker from the Lions in Orlando are QB Jared Goff, C Frank Ragnow, S Brian Branch, P Jack Fox, RB Jahmyr Gibbs and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Lions missing two starting OL from Wednesday’s practice

Lions missing two starting offensive linemen, RG Kevin Zeitler and LT Taylor Decker, from Wednesday’s practice

As the Lions prepare to face the Washington Commanders on Saturday night, the week’s practice schedule is accelerated. Wednesday becomes the second full day of practice, the typical Thursday session when the team plays on Sunday.

And in that penultimate practice, the Lions were without two starting offensive linemen. Right guard Kevin Zeitler and left tackle Taylor Decker each missed the practice session.

Zeitler worked off to the side with trainers in the portion of practice open to the media. He’s efforting to return after suffering a hamstring injury near the end of Detroit’s Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He was listed as a non-participant in Tuesday’s walkthrough.

Decker has not been on the team’s injury report, suggesting that this was nothing more than a veteran rest day. Decker has battled through chest and knee injuries during the season, causing him to miss three total games. The veteran has started Detroit’s last four games without incident.

 

The full practice participation report comes out later on Wednesday, with the final game designations on Thursday afternoon.

Lions regular season injury recap: Offense edition

Lions regular season injury video retrospective: Offense edition: Going over all of Detroit’s offensive injuries and how they occurred

The Detroit Lions offense this year was remarkably healthy during the 2024 regular season which stood in stark contrast to the defense. See my previous article for the defensive injury recap.

There will always be minor injuries but there were no major, season-ending injuries to the offense. Most starters and key reserves were available for the vast majority of the season. Currently, almost all starters are healthy entering the playoffs, save for 1a/1b RB David Montgomery and OG Kevin Zeitler who both might be ready for the first playoff game.

The health of the offense is a big reason why the team leaned on the offense throughout the year, and that will continue to be the case in the playoffs.

Here are the most significant injuries to the offense ranked in order of most impactful to the season. In parentheses are the number of full games missed.

Taylor Decker, OT (3 full games missed)

Pec strain and rotator cuff, November

Right knee MCL and right ankle, November 24

David Montgomery, RB (3)

Right MCL, December 15

 

Kalif Raymond, WR (5)

Left foot, November 24

Sam LaPorta, TE (1)

Hamstring, August

Right low ankle sprain September 22

Left AC joint sprain, November 10

Frank Ragnow, C (1)

Left pec strain, September 22

Christian Mahogany, OG (10)

Mono, July

Graham Glasgow, OG (1)

Knee, December

Kevin Zeitler, OG (1)

Groin/hip, October

Right hamstring, January 5

Antoine Green, WR (17)

Concussion, August 8

Connor Galvin, OT (17)

Left MCL, August 8

Tre’Quan Smith, WR (17)

Hand, August 17

 

Taylor Decker gives a bold quote about the Lions win over the Vikings

Taylor Decker gives a bold quote about the Lions win over the Vikings that shows the championship mindset in the locker room

Lions left tackle Taylor Decker is a team captain. He’s been here longer than any other player, sticking with Detroit since being the team’s first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

A proud veteran leader, Decker offered up some postgame quotes in the wake of the Lions’ dominating 31-9 win over the Vikings on Sunday night that shed some light on why this Lions team finished 15-2 and with the No. 1 seed in the NFC. It’s about mindset.

“This might sound crazy to people but to me–going out there tonight–it wasn’t if we were going to win but by how much? That’s how we felt and we know there were a lot of people that didn’t feel that way. (Expletive) ’em. That’s how I feel about it.”

Decker continued,

“I mean, counting our defense out and talking bad about them. I mean, they were incredible today, at all levels.”

He then closed the comment with a Dan Campbell quip.

“I think Dan (Campbell) said this before: nobody’s going to write our story but us. It’s definitely a special team and a special group.”

The video below contains the quotes, as well as some profanity and NSFW language:

 

The Lions injury report from Thursday shows considerable improvement

The Lions injury report from Thursday shows considerable improvement, with several players returning after missing Wednesday’s session

It’s still not nearly as clean as hoped for, but the Detroit Lions practice participation report for Thursday’s session looks a lot more promising than Wednesday’s first edition.

After nine players were idle on the first practice of Week 16, all but three returned in some capacity to Thursday’s practice. Two of the three who remained out are starting offensive linemen, however.

Left guard Graham Glasgow and center Frank Ragnow both remain sidelined. Glasgow is listed with a knee injury, while Ragnow has a back malady. The injury status could help explain the substandard performances from both in the Week 15 loss to Buffalo.

The other player remaining out is running back David Montgomery, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with an MCL injury. Montgomery and the Lions are still in the evaluation process on how to handle his torn knee ligament.

Safety Brian Branch upgraded from out with a listed calf issue on Wednesdsay to full participant on Thursday.

Five players who rested on Wednesday returned in full:

LT Taylor Decker
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
DT DJ Reader
RG Kevin Zeitler
EDGE Za’Darius Smith

It was also the first sighting of LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin. He’s been on I.R. for several weeks but has started his 21-day activation window. Reeves-Maybin, a key special teams player as well as subpackage LB, was limited with his neck injury.

Another player designated to return from I.R., safety Ifeatu Melifonwu made it through a second straight practice as a full participant. He’s missed the entire season with an ankle injury and a subsequent hand injury that forced the Lions to activate him — only to immediately place him back on I.R. His second activation window began on Monday.

 

 

Lions vs Bills: Final injury report medical analysis plus injured reserve player update

Lions vs Bills: Final injury report medical analysis plus injured reserve player update on when some of those Lions might return

Coming into the season, the Detroit Lions offense was expected to be the strength of this team. That is even more so now with the offense in excellent health coupled with a defense riddled with injury. This past week, Dan Campbell acknowledged that the offense would shoulder more responsibility and to expect the aggressive 4th-down decisions to continue.

With Taylor Decker’s return after missing two games, the Lions offensive starting unit is fully intact and most key reserves are healthy as well. The offense will need to put up points to stay ahead of a high-powered Bills offense which boasts the leading MVP candidate, Josh Allen, and will feature the return of two impact pass catchers in Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman.

The Lions defensive line trended sharply upward during the week with DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and Alim McNeill all rapidly progressing to the point that they are definitively in. The linebacker unit took a surprise hit with Trevor Nowaske’s midweek concussion.

The Bills defense will have a banged-up secondary with a starting CB out and both starting safeties nursing injuries with questionable status.

DETROIT LIONS

Out – Trevor Nowaske LB, (UL NP NP)

This backup LB played 64% of snaps last game. Presumably he got a concussion in Wednesday’s practice which will force him to miss this game.

At LB, Jack Campbell played 100% of snaps last game and expect that to continue. Ezekiel Turner (34%), Kwon Alexander (34%), David Long (32%), Jamal Adams (16%), and Ben Niemann (2%) are candidates to fill the void.

In – Alim McNeill DT, concussion (FP FP FP)

See my initial injury report analysis for the full timeline of his concussion. There was also concern for a non-concussion head or jaw issue. Very good news that everything has resolved quickly.

In – Taylor Decker OT, knee (FP FP FP)

A suspected right MCL and right high or medial ankle sprain on November 24 forced him to miss two games. With his return, the entire offensive starters are intact. Dan Skipper, who filled in admirably at LT, will return to his normal role as jumbo TE and 9th-string WR.

In – DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP LP FP)

Reader hurt his left shoulder on Thanksgiving in a manner that is concerning for a shoulder subluxation and missed one game. While a subluxation is still a possibility, his quick return gives hope that it was just a mild shoulder strain.

In – Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (LP LP FP)

A left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Hamstrings can easily take multiple weeks so it’s good to see that this one was mild.

In – Josh Paschal DE, knee (LP FP FP)

A right knee injury on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Video did not suggest anything too concerning.

Injured reserve list update

Returning soon:

  • Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect his 21-day practice window to open early next week with a possible return to play in week 17 (49ers) or week 18 (Vikings).
  • Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expected by the start of the playoffs. His 21-day practice window should open after next week’s Bears game.

Uncertain but hopeful to return soon:

  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return next week vs the Bears. Keep an eye on if his 21-day practice window opens early next week. If it doesn’t open next week, that implies he is at least three more weeks away.
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Same situation as Rakestraw. Eligible to return next week vs the Bears. Hope for his 21-day practice window to open early next week. If it doesn’t open next week, that implies he is at least three more weeks away.

Early playoffs at best:

  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – He is eligible to return anytime but has not had his 21-day practice window opened yet. This implies he is at least 3 weeks away. At this point, his earliest projected return would be in the playoffs. Dan Campbell on December 9 corroborated a multi-week timeline stating he’s “better… There’s a chance we could get him in a few weeks.” While there are no details about his neck injury, this update is reassuring that it isn’t anything overly serious.

Late playoffs at best:

  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in the Super Bowl although Jay Glazer reported a few days ago that the NFC championship game is a possibility. Currently nine weeks from injury, the bone should be close to healed at this point. Hutchinson has significant expected atrophy in his legs so it all depends on how quickly rehab goes.
  • John Cominsky, MCL surgery – Initial estimate projected a January return at best.
  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to be back.

Not expected to return:

  •  Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
  •  Marcus Davenport, left elbow
  •  Kyle Peko, left pec
  •  Mekhi Wingo, right knee

NFL IR PLAYOFF RULES

Lions can return as may IR players as they want in the playoffs as long as it doesn’t add up to more than 10 for the entire year (regular season + playoffs). So far, the Lions have returned three (Brodric Martin, Emmanuel Moseley, Ifeatu Melifonwu).

BUFFALO BILLS

Credit to @BangedUpBills for help with the analysis. The Bills had a walkthrough on Wednesday and a virtual meeting only on Thursday.

Out – Rasul Douglas CB, knee (NP NP NP)

This starting CB has not missed a game this year but will miss his first after hurting his left knee last game.

Questionable – Taylor Rapp S, neck/shoulder (NP NP LP)

Rapp hurt himself two weeks ago and was limited in the last game despite playing every snap. He may continue to try to play through but there are rumors that he will be out.

Questionable – Damar Hamlin S, back/ribs (FP NP LP)

This starting safety has played in every game this year logging close to 100% of snaps including 100% last game. Unless something significant happened during walkthroughs, he’ll likely play. He has 2 interceptions this year.

Questionable – Dalton Kincaid TE, knee (FP FP FP)

Expect this starting TE to play after missing the last three games due to a PCL. He is a very good receiver with 34 receptions for 356 yards this year.

Questionable – Dawuane Smoot DE, wrist (FP FP FP)

Smoot missed the last four games on IR with wrist surgery but is eligible to return on Sunday. He typically plays about 50% of snaps.

Questionable – Baylon Spector LB, calf (FP FP FP)

After missing four games on IR, Spector is eligible to return on Sunday. He has started multiple games this year.

Questionable – Casey Toohill DE, ribs (LP LP LP)

Toohill is a backup DE who plays about 25% of snaps.

Questionable – Quintin Morris TE, shoulder/groin (FP FP FP)

Morris is a backup who has 2 receptions for 16 yards this year.

Questionable – Tylan Grable OT, groin (FP FP FP)

Grable has not played since September 23.

In – Keon Coleman WR, wrist (FP FP FP)

This 2nd-round rookie will return after missing the last four games. He has 22 catches for 417 yards which is second on the team behind Khalil Shakir (735 yards).

Here is the full report:

Dan Campbell offers very positive Lions injury update ahead of Week 15

Dan Campbell offers very positive Lions injury update ahead of Week 15 on Decker, McNeill, Reader and more Detroit players

Coming off a mercifully timed extended rest following the Week 14 beatdown of the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions are getting a lot healthier heading into Sunday’s matchup with the visiting Buffalo Bills.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered some updates on the walking wounded ahead of Friday’s practice session. He started with defensive lineman Josh Paschal,

“So, looks like Paschal’s gotten through the week pretty good thus far.”

Campbell then continued, hitting on a few other players who have missed time with injuries lately. He noted “as well” in conjunction with Paschal for all the following, indicating they are getting through the week well:

DT DJ Reader
LT Taylor Decker
DT Levi Onwuzurike

In addition, Campbell revealed that DT Alim McNeill has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will be available to play in Sunday’s big game.

Campbell capped off the injury update by noting,

“We’re trending the right way with all those guys.”

The official injury status report comes out later on Friday.

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Lions getting healthier at Thursday’s practice ahead of Week 15

Lions getting healthier at Thursday’s practice ahead of Week 15, with only one player sidelined fully and two others limited

Thursday’s practices in anticipation of the Sunday matchup between the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills were quite divergent for the two teams.

The Bills did not have practice due to weather conditions in western New York. Meanwhile, the Lions had a very healthy participation across both sides of the ball.

SAM LB Trevor Nowaske was the only Lions player who was completely out from practice on Thursday. Nowaske is dealing with a concussion, and the timeline with the NFL’s concussion protocol will prevent Nowaske from being available for Sunday’s game in Ford Field.

Two other Lions were listed as limited on the official report: defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike and DJ Reader. Both DTs missed the Week 14 win over the Packers. Reader’s return at nose tackle would be a big boon against Buffalo. He’s dealing what a shoulder injury, while Onwuzurike is limited with a hamstring.

Everyone else was a full participant, a list that includes starting left tackle Taylor Decker for the second straight day. Decker has missed two weeks with a knee injury. That portends very well for Decker to return at left tackle against the Bills.

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Getting Taylor Decker back should help the Lions run game

Getting LT Taylor Decker back after missing two games should help the Detroit Lions rushing attack in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills

Taylor Decker was back as a full participant in Wednesday’s Detroit Lions practice. That’s a very welcome sight as the Lions prepare for Sunday’s showdown against the Buffalo Bills in Ford Field.

Decker, the Lions’ starting left tackle, has missed the last two games after suffering a knee injury in the Week 12 win in Indianapolis. Dan Skipper has filled in capably as Decker’s replacement, but there’s a noticeable difference in Detroit’s offense when Decker isn’t on the field. It’s most evident in the run game, specifically Jahmyr Gibbs and also the inside runs.

Gibbs was still able to hit a couple of home runs in the Thanksgiving win over the Bears, but nearly all of his success came to the right side of the line, following Kevin Zeitler and Penei Sewell. On three carries to the left of center Frank Ragnow, Gibbs netted a total of 11 yards. A week later against Green Bay, Gibbs had his worst game of the season, netting 43 yards on 15 carries. Anything between the tackles was quickly snuffed out, as the combination of Skipper and left guard Graham Glasgow really struggled to complete their run-blocking assignments.

Green Bay’s defensive front deserves some credit for that, but Decker’s physical presence and savvy were missed, too. His quickness off the snap and readiness at the point of attack just isn’t there with Skipper, and it appears to impact Glasgow’s effectiveness, too.

David Mongtomery has also suffered when Decker hasn’t played. When Decker missed the win over Houston, Montgomery had a season-worst 32 yards on 12 carries. That game was Detroit’s worst rushing grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, and Decker’s absence was not coincidental.

The Lions have been utilizing zone running concepts more than in prior years under Ben Johnson as the offensive coordinator and Hank Fraley as the offensive line coach. That shift from being more gap and duo-dominant has suited Decker very well. No. 68 carries his power well in zone, and his vision and engagement balance in zone blocks, which focus more on blocking a spot than a specific player, greatly exceeds what Skipper offers.

Getting Decker back also shifts Skipper into his familiar 6th lineman role, where the giant veteran might be the NFL’s best. The Lions haven’t used the sixth OL much with Decker out and Skipper at LT; Detroit went “heavy” three times (all practice squad elevation Jamarco Jones) on Thanksgiving and didn’t use that package once against Green Bay. With Decker back, it opens up that portion of the playbook for Johnson & Co. against the Bills.

Provided Decker remains a full participant and carries nothing worse than a questionable designation for Sunday’s game against Buffalo, the Lions run offense is poised for a more diverse, bigger game in Week 15.

Lions vs Bills: Initial injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Bills: Initial injury report and medical analysis for the Week 15 matchup at Ford Field

With three games in 12 days, the Lions players (and fans) needed this mini-bye after a slew of injuries accumulated. The main concern is the defensive line which has many players out with short and long-term injuries. Fortunately, the trend is positive with multiple key questionable players in Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, and Josh Paschal practicing today.

The Bills report consists of mostly FP’s (full practice) and has a couple key pass catchers returning in Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman. They are also returning two players from IR, Baylon Spector and Dawuane Smoot, who are eligible to play this weekend. In bad news, there are a couple recent concerns in the secondary in Rasul Douglas and Taylor Rapp.

DETROIT LIONS

Alim McNeill DT, concussion (FP)

Here’s the timeline of his injury on December 5.

• At the 7-minute mark of the 1st quarter, he was helped off the field. Video was obscured but he may have taken a mild hit to the back of the head when Jamal Adams jumped on him towards the end of the play. He also had his facemask slightly jarred when he made the tackle but this trauma seemed minimal.
• He was taken to the locker room and passed the concussion evaluation.
• Returned to play at the 13-minute mark of 2nd quarter and finished out the first half.
• He did not come out of the locker room at halftime and was officially ruled out with a “head” injury, not a concussion.
• On Monday, December 9, Dan Campbell stated he was in the “protocol” which implied he was diagnosed with a concussion at some point.

Previous history of head trauma:

  • November 10, 2024 – Right TMJ (temporomandibular joint) symptoms. Moving jaw around and palpating directly at the TMJ. No concussion diagnosis.
  • November 23, 2023 – Blow to the right jaw area. Down on field for a while and left game temporarily. No concussion diagnosis.

Analysis: McNeill had a delayed concussion diagnosis from last game. A delayed diagnosis does not represent an oversight by the medical staff or player. Many concussion symptoms are vague such as headache, fogginess, and nausea and can be attributed to other causes.

With a history of TMJ symptoms just four weeks prior, it’s possible that his symptoms were initially thought to be a recurrence of the TMJ. The subsequent concussion diagnosis does not rule out a concurrent TMJ or other “head” injury as his symptoms could be multi-factorial.

With an FP today, it means that McNeill has already passed through multiple stages of the concussion protocol and is firmly on track to play Sunday.

Here is recent Lions concussion history data:

2024: Alex Anzalone and Brian Branch both missed one game following their concussions. Technically, Branch missed the game due to an “illness” but his concussion may have played at least a small part in the decision.

2023: No official concussions during the season. Penei Sewell had one in training camp.

2022: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Brock Wright, DeShon Elliott, and Kerby Joseph all returned in one week without missing a game. Jonah Jackson and Jeff Okudah missed the short-week Thanksgiving game.

Taylor Decker OT, knee (FP)

A suspected right MCL and right high or medial ankle sprain on November 24 has caused him to miss two games. The FP means he should play this weekend.

DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP)

Reader hurt his left shoulder on Thanksgiving in a manner that is concerning for a shoulder subluxation and has missed one game. A subluxation is a partial, transient dislocation of the shoulder. The injury can be rehabbed without surgery but may take multiple weeks. DeShon Elliott in 2022 with the Lions missed two games with a shoulder subluxation/dislocation.

With an NP today, I expect Reader to miss another game.

Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (LP)

A left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Since hamstrings can get aggravated easily, a gradual ramp-up is advisable. The LP early in the week is a good sign that he is firmly on the ramp and getting close to a return. There is a good chance he will play on Sunday.

Josh Paschal DE, knee (LP)

A right knee injury on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Video did not suggest anything too concerning. A mild bone bruise or knee sprain is likely. The LP gives him a good chance to play this weekend.

 

NOTABLES

Christian Mahogany, OG

This 6th-round rookie got three snaps when Kevin Zeitler exited briefly with a suspected left eye issue. After missing all of training camp and the first half of the season due to mono, it’s notable that Mahogany has already become the primary guard backup. This is good news heading into next season as Zeitler is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year.

Injured reserve status updates

Returning soon
• Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expected around week 17-18.
• Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expected by the start of the playoffs.

Uncertain return
• Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return December 22.
• Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Eligible to return December 22.
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – He is eligible to return anytime but has not had his 21-day practice window opened yet. This implies he is at least 3 weeks away. Dan Campbell on December 9 corroborated a multi-week timeline stating he’s “better… There’s a chance we could get him in a few weeks.” While there are no details about his neck injury, this update is reassuring that it isn’t anything overly serious.

Late playoffs at best
• Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in the Super Bowl although Jay Glazer reported a few days ago that the NFC championship game is a possibility. Hutchinson is not even walking normally yet so his return depends on how quickly he recovers.
• John Cominsky, MCL surgery – Initial estimate projected a January return at best.
• Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to be back.

Not expected to return
• Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
• Marcus Davenport, left elbow
• Kyle Peko, left pec
• Mekhi Wingo, right knee

BUFFALO BILLS

Credit @BangedUpBills for help with the analysis.

Rasul Douglas CB, knee (NP)

This starting CB has not missed a game this year but exited last game with a left knee injury. Video wasn’t clear but a mild MCL sprain is possible.

Taylor Rapp S, neck/shoulder (NP)

This starting safety hurt his neck two weeks ago but still was able to play every snap last game.

Casey Toohill DE, ribs (LP)

Toohill is a backup DE who plays about 25% of snaps.

Dalton Kincaid TE, knee (FP)

Kincaid has missed the last three games due to a PCL and has 34 receptions for 356 yards this year. The FP suggests he will be in.

Keon Coleman WR, wrist (FP)

This 2nd-round rookie has missed the last four games. He has 22 catches for 417 yards. The FP suggests he will be in.

Dawuane Smoot DE, wrist (FP)

Smoot missed the last four games on IR with wrist surgery but is eligible to return on Sunday. He typically plays about 50% of snaps.

Baylon Spector LB, calf (FP)

After missing four games on IR, Spector is eligible to return on Sunday. He has started multiple games this year.

Here is the full Bills report: