Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell didn’t sugarcoat things when addressing veteran left tackle Taylor Decker’s injury status after the team’s Week 5 win. The longtime Lions anchor was ruled out against the Bengals, and Campbell’s latest comments suggest his recovery might take longer than expected.
Decker, who has been battling through a lingering shoulder injury, has continued to show toughness and leadership behind the scenes. However, Campbell admitted that the situation is being monitored closely and that the veteran’s long-term health remains a top concern for the team.
“Taylor’s as tough as they come,” Campbell said. “But at this point, we’ve got to be smart with him. He’s been grinding through it, but it’s something we can’t rush.”
The Lions’ offensive line has been one of the strongest units in the NFL, largely due to Decker’s experience and chemistry with Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow. His absence in Week 5 forced the team to shuffle protection schemes, testing Detroit’s depth in a critical matchup.
While the Lions were able to pull off another impressive win, Campbell knows that Decker’s availability could have major implications for the team moving forward. Keeping quarterback Jared Goff upright has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive success, and losing their veteran left tackle for an extended stretch could pose a serious challenge.
For now, the team remains hopeful that Decker’s recovery will progress without setbacks. But as Campbell hinted, the Lions aren’t taking any chances — and that cautious tone speaks volumes about just how valuable Decker is to this rising Detroit squad.
As the Lions look ahead to their Week 6 clash, all eyes will be on Decker’s health. His return could be the key to keeping the Lions’ playoff momentum alive.
Lions Face New Challenge as Dan Campbell Reveals Troubling Taylor Decker Injury News
