The Detroit Lions got some unwelcome news on Sunday morning when veteran left tackle Taylor Decker was officially downgraded from questionable to doubtful for the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Decker has been battling a shoulder injury all season, one that has kept him out of practices for weeks and forced him to push through pain just to stay on the field. Unfortunately, it looks like this may be the week Detroit’s iron man finally needs to take a step back.
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A Major Blow to Goff’s Blind Side
Decker’s absence would be a significant hit to the Lions’ offensive line, especially against a Bengals defense that thrives on pressure. Protecting Jared Goff’s blind side is no small task, and while the Lions have plenty of faith in their next-man-up philosophy, there’s no denying how much Decker’s leadership and experience mean to this unit.
His potential replacement, Giovanni Manu, is a second-year tackle who’s seen limited action, mostly during late-game blowouts. The 6-foot-8 lineman has raw talent but will face a big test if asked to start against a Bengals front led by Trey Hendrickson.
Insurance Move: Devin Cochran Promoted
In a move that may offer some insurance, Detroit also promoted Devin Cochran from the practice squad. Cochran spent time with the Bengals during the preseason, giving him a bit of insider familiarity with Cincinnati’s defensive schemes. While that’s no substitute for Decker’s presence, it could help the Lions adjust their protection packages.
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The Bigger Picture
The Lions entered Week 5 with one of the most balanced offenses in the NFL, powered by Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosiveness and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s reliability in the passing game. Losing Decker could force offensive coordinator John Morton to tweak his approach, expect quicker passes, more motion, and perhaps a heavier reliance on tight ends like Sam LaPorta to help in protection.
Still, if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Dan Campbell’s Lions, it’s that they won’t make excuses. Injuries have been part of their identity the past two seasons, and they’ve built a roster deep enough to keep competing no matter who’s out.
“Next man up” has never been just a slogan in Detroit, it’s a way of life.