The Detroit Lions are heading into their bye week with a worrisome injury update on star left tackle Taylor Decker. Decker, who has been dealing with a persistent shoulder injury since training camp, returned to action in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but didn’t seem to be 100% healthy.

The Injury

Decker’s shoulder injury has been a recurring problem, causing him to miss practices and games. Despite playing through the pain, Decker admitted to feeling “not great” after the Buccaneers game. This lack of mobility and strength in his shoulder could significantly impact his performance on the field.

Impact on the Team

The Lions’ offense, which relies heavily on Decker’s protection, could struggle without him. His absence would likely lead to a shift in the team’s game plan, with a greater emphasis on short passes and runs. Giovanni Manu, who started in Decker’s place in Weeks 5 and 6, has shown promise, but there’s a significant drop-off in talent.

Coach Dan Campbell’s Update

Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed concerns about Decker’s injury, stating that the recovery has been slower than expected. “Every week, the recovery has been less and less,” Campbell said. “He’s not been able to quite catch up—we feel like there’s diminishing returns each week.” This update doesn’t bode well for Decker’s long-term availability ¹.

What’s Next?

The bye week provides an opportunity for Decker to rest and recover. The Lions will likely take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, given the severity of the injury. With a tough stretch of games ahead, including matchups against the Vikings, Commanders, Eagles, and Packers, the Lions will need Decker to be healthy to make a deep playoff run.

Potential Return Timeline

It’s unclear when Decker will return to the field, but the Lions will likely take a conservative approach to his rehabilitation. Given the severity of the injury, it’s possible that Decker could miss several games, potentially altering the team’s playoff chances ².