By Sunday 
What This Means for Detroit’s O-Line Chemistry Heading into Camp
When the Detroit Lions report for training camp, one very familiar face will be absent from on-field action — left tackle Taylor Decker. The veteran offensive lineman was officially placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, a move that signals caution more than catastrophe… but it’s still raising eyebrows.
A Trusted Pillar Hits Pause
Decker, the Lions’ longest-tenured player and blindside protector since 2016, has been one of the most consistent linemen in the NFL when healthy. His presence isn’t just about blocking schemes — it’s about leadership, locker room stability, and veteran swagger. Losing him, even temporarily, could ripple across Detroit’s offensive line plans.
There’s no confirmation yet on the exact injury or how long Decker might remain on the PUP list, but here’s what we know: players on the Active PUP can be activated at any time before the regular season. It’s precautionary, not necessarily predictive of a major issue.
Still, this isn’t the time of year any coach wants to be shuffling his offensive line, especially when expectations are sky-high.
Why It Matters More Than You Think
With center Frank Ragnow retired and Graham Glasgow shifting positions, the Lions’ offensive line is already undergoing a quiet reorganization. Now subtracting Decker from that mix, even for a few weeks, means potential early reps for backups or recent draftees who were never expected to carry the load this early.
Second-round pick Tate Ratledge — finally signed and ready to roll — is primarily an interior guy, but the domino effect of missing pieces can lead to unexpected experimentation. Training camp is where cohesion is born. Missing that time is costly.
Also worth noting: Jared Goff, who has thrived behind one of the league’s best O-lines, is entering a season where protection will be everything. With the Lions poised for a deep playoff run, keeping Goff upright is non-negotiable.
Next Man Up… But Who?
Detroit has some intriguing depth at tackle. Penei Sewell could theoretically shift to the left if needed, though Dan Campbell and offensive line coach Hank Fraley have previously been reluctant to mess with his groove on the right. Other candidates, like Matt Nelson or Colby Sorsdal, could get extended looks in camp.
The good news? There’s time. Decker isn’t ruled out long term. But the margin for error is thin in the NFL — and the Lions have little interest in starting 2025 in scramble mode.
So, while this might look like a quiet transaction on paper, Lions fans know better. This team is chasing real hardware this season. And every missed snap, every tweaked muscle, every depth chart shift — it matters.
Let’s hope Decker’s PUP stay is brief. Detroit needs its anchor back.