Man, those injury troubles just keep piling up for the Detroit Lions.

Eight players were absent from Friday’s practice. The two new additions were offensive tackle Giovanni Manu (knee) and defensive back Avonte Maddox (hamstring).

Others sidelined included left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder), cornerback Terrion Arnold (shoulder), running back Sione Vaki (groin), linebacker Zach Cunningham (hamstring), and safeties Brian Branch (ankle) and Kerby Joseph (knee).

Decker, Branch, Joseph, and Maddox were all expected to sit out Friday’s session. Head coach Dan Campbell labeled each as a gametime decision for Sunday night’s matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. According to the Detroit Free Press, Branch underwent an MRI on his foot, though the team is currently listing it as an ankle injury.

“Yeah, we’re just trying to be smart with them right now and see where they both go,” Campbell said of Branch and Joseph. “So, this will — we’ll have to probably take it to game time here and see where they’re at.”

The veteran left tackle appears to be making progress, but Campbell said more would be known about his availability later this weekend. Decker had offseason shoulder surgery and has been dealing with soreness since Week 1.

Decker has continued to suit up despite only one full practice since the opener against Green Bay. But with the team noticing “diminishing returns” on his shoulder, they’re opting for caution to protect him for the long term.

Manu filled in for Decker last week and had a mixed debut with the starting offense. However, he appeared on the injury list with a knee problem and, after being limited earlier, was missing entirely from Friday’s workout.

Detroit brought back veteran lineman Dan Skipper from the practice squad this week. Skipper has stepped in multiple times in recent seasons, starting 11 games mostly at offensive tackle.

Campbell also pointed to massive practice squad lineman Devin Cochran as another option. The Lions have even discussed shifting Penei Sewell to left tackle, though that move likely won’t happen this week.

“We’re going to look at everything here,” Campbell said after last week’s game. “Skip’s back, so we’ll consider him. We also have Devin Cochran available, and of course, we’ll monitor Decker. He’s always our first choice. But we won’t risk losing him long-term just to get him out there now. We’ll make the smart call.”

Maddox’s hamstring issue adds to the secondary’s woes. The veteran was expected to help bridge the gap between slot and safety, but his absence leaves even more uncertainty, possibly forcing the Lions to turn to their practice squad again.

Rock Ya-Sin and Amik Robertson are expected starters outside, with Robertson likely sliding inside in nickel formations. But when that happens, who takes his place outside remains the big question.

Tre Flowers, Erick Hallett, and Arthur Maulet are candidates for elevation this weekend, though that’s a tough ask against Patrick Mahomes and a Kansas City team that’s reached five of the last seven Super Bowls, winning three.

“I think that’s part of the challenge,” Campbell said. “I don’t want to call it fun, but this is the kind of test that shapes you. Not everyone can handle it, and that’s where I think we excel. The coaches, players, the whole atmosphere — we embrace this. You’re being tested, you’re in the grind, and we like that grit. So, this’ll be good.”