The first step in getting Taylor Decker onto the field in Detroit in 2021 came on Wednesday. The Lions designated the injured left tackle for return from the injured reserve list.
Decker and defensive end Kevin Strong were each designated to return by the Lions. The team has 21 days to determine if they are capable of returning, though either player can be activated and back on the active roster immediately as well. That doesn’t appear to be the case with either player; it seems unlikely either will be on the field in Week 6 for the visit from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Decker did take part in practice on Wednesday, per head coach Dan Campbell. He had a cast on the left hand to protect his injured index finger. Decker has not played in the first five weeks.
“We’ll just see where Decker goes and how he feels and just take it from there,” Campbell said before practice. “But at least we can start working with him, on the field, true football.”
Strong was injured in Week 1 and has been on IR since the following week. He was initially out with a concussion but then injured his thigh and that was the reason for the trip to IR.
Campbell did not offer any more update on Tyrell Williams, who continues to be sidelined with a concussion suffered in Week 1. On Tuesday, Campbell indicated that Williams is not close to returning anytime soon.
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