TAYLOR DECKER

The Detroit Lions have been so bad in recent years, winning an average of four games since 2018, that they desperately need an influx of talent at a lot of positions on both sides of the ball.

Each saw action, with Sewell, McNeill, St. Brown and Barnes seeing the most work from last year’s class. Original pick: Round 2, Pick 41: Levi Onwuzurike, DL, WashingtonRedraft: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame (Original: Round 2, Pick 52)Levi Onwuzurike didn’t offer much production. Original pick: Round 3, Pick 101: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, SyracuseRedraft: Nate Hobbs, CB, Illinois (Original: Round 5, Pick 167)Ifeatu Melifonwu comes with desirable physical traits and could develop into a solid matchup piece on Detroit’s defense. Original pick: Round 4, Pick 112: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USCRedraft: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USCThere is no reason to change this selection. Original pick: Round 4, Pick 113: Derrick Barnes, LB, PurdueRedraft: Caden Sterns, S, Texas (Round 5, Pick 152)It was more than tempting to grab Derrick Barnes here, without question, for the record.

The rookie started the first half of the season at left tackle after spending camp working at right tackle. He played most of his snaps at left tackle over the last three years while drawing 239 reps at left guard in 2020. Neal switched from left guard to right tackle, then to left tackle in 2020. The 6-foot-7, 305-pound junior has done nothing but improve since making the switch to left tackle. All of this occurred from the left guard slot.

ALLEN PARK -- Brad Holmes feels pretty good about the state of play in the trenches and out of the running back room after his first season as Detroit Lions general manager. The Lions cycled through multiple undrafted rookies in the defensive backfield while injuries decimated those rooms. Heck, even Halapoulivaati Vaitai improved upon his disappointing debut season in Detroit, allowing no sacks across 953 snaps on the inside. In his first two games up on Sundays, Reynolds was the top-ranked running back by Pro Football Focus. He’s got a lot of stuff that he’s got to work on and he’s aware of it.

DETROIT -- The Lions woke up without one offensive lineman. They would go on to lose three more before the final day of their season was up. But it seems at least Taylor Decker has avoided major injury. He limped back up the tunnel with a trainer, and was not seen on the sideline again. We kept trying to figure out a way to run the ball a little bit and couldn’t quite get it going until that transpired.”

Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes in the first half and sat out the second half with nothing at stake as the Detroit Lions beat the Green Bay Packers 37-30.

DETROIT -- Penei Sewell enjoyed a big rookie season, but he won’t quite make the finish line. The Detroit Lions have ruled out their big right tackle for the finale on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. “He had some ups and downs (this year), and I feel like, man, over the last half of the season, he’s really grown,” head coach Dan Campbell said this week. He ranked as the 10th-best run blocker among all offensive tackles this season, according to ProFootballFocus. “Any good run blocker has got it between their ears,” Campbell said.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions (2-13-1) have one game left on the slate, hosting the Green Bay Packers (13-3) before closing shop for the regular season. “But the most important thing was to develop our talent, develop our players, develop our culture, knowing where we’re going. Decker is expected to play against the Packers, while Sewell has been added to the injury report due to thumb/illness. Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers: Matchups to watch, key questions heading into season finaleA closer look at Amon-Ra St. Brown, Derrick Barnes, Levi Onwuzurike and some key matchups. We trying to finish strong, like I said, this last game trying to get a win.

The Detroit Lions announced on Saturday afternoon they’re activating Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell from the COVID list. Decker is expected to play against the Packers, while Sewell has been added to the injury report due to thumb/illness. Head coach Dan Campbell said Goff’s status would not be linked to the return of Decker and Sewell, although having both offensive tackles back certainly helps. Goff didn’t play last week because of a bone bruise in his knee, nor the week before that because of a COVID infection. The Lions announced offensive lineman Will Holden is also questionable to play against Green Bay because of an illness.

ALLEN PARK -- It sounds more and more likely that quarterback Jared Goff will start for the Detroit Lions this weekend in their season finale against the Green Bay Packers. Goff missed last week’s game while dealing with a bone bruise to his knee, and has been limited at practice heading into Week 18. The Lions altered their practice to focus more on the passing attack to open the week, keeping Goff on his feet and involved with the preparation. Campbell said they won’t know until Saturday and that their status doesn’t have anything to do with Goff playing or not: “No, it doesn’t. Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said he’s sure Goff isn’t 100%, but that he was moving around and throwing the ball well to open the week of practice.

Aaron Rodgers knows the Green Bay Packers have clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed and can’t improve their playoff positioning with a win over the lowly Detroit Lions.

It has been a long season for the Detroit Lions, and there is still more adversity ahead.

Left tackle Taylor Decker and rookie right tackle Penei Sewell were moved to the COVID list on Monday, just one day after another excellent effort from both bookends in a blowout loss against Seattle. “He had some ups and downs (this year), and I feel like, man, over the last half of the season, he’s really grown,” head coach Dan Campbell said during a video call on Monday afternoon. Like you’re watching him do some things where he’s trapping his hands and he’s just, man, he’s learning at an exponential rate. On Sunday, in what could go down as the final game of a standout rookie season, Sewell didn’t allow a pressure at all. “Any good run blocker has got it between their ears,” Campbell said.

SEATTLE -- Taylor Decker crashed inside to block the defensive end, just like he’s done so many times this season, and continued to do so well. The Detroit Lions left tackle had reported as an eligible receiver. Safety Ryan Neal didn’t notice until it was too late, and the 324-pound Decker left his feet for the touchdown. “Barely.”It was the second touchdown of Decker’s career, which sets a new franchise record heading into the final week of the season. In fact, the Lions did it twice, with Nelson dropping a pass near the goal line right before Decker’s score.

Rashaad Penny rushed for a career-high 170 yards and two touchdowns, Russell Wilson threw three of his four TD passes to DK Metcalf, and the Seattle Seahawks routed the Detroit Lions 51-29.

SEATTLE -- Amon St. Brown accounted for two more touchdowns, while Taylor Decker added one of his own -- yes, left tackle Tayler Decker -- and the Detroit Lions secured a top-two pick in this year’s NFL draft. Other than that, there wasn’t much to feel good about in a 51-29 bloodletting on Sunday afternoon against the Seattle Seahawks. No matter what happens in that game, the Lions are assured of picking no later than second in the draft. He’s the first Lions wide receiver to run for a score since Calvin Johnson’s rookie season in 2007. That’s a Lions record by an offensive lineman, and it cut Seattle’s lead to 38-22 late in the third quarter.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have reportedly converted $1.335 million of Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s salary into a signing bonus, creating $1 million in space for the rest of the season. Vaitai’s marks on the ground aren’t great from the analytics site, but it’s hard to ignore the success of the rushing attack behind that offensive line. Detroit can get out of the deal for just $4.2 million in 2022, $2.8 million in 2023 and $1.4 million in 2024. The group has climbed 10 spots in PFF’s offensive line rankings, slotting 15th heading into the final two games. “I think (offensive line coach) Hank (Fraley) ‘s got a lot to do with that.

A week ago, the Detroit Lions looked as if they had finished their season early.

ALLEN PARK -- Penei Sewell continues to show signs of growth, hitting another level as the Detroit Lions first-rounder plays like one of the league’s top offensive tackles. The 21-year-old right tackle was the top-ranked player among all offensive tackles in Week 14 per Pro Football Focus. He’s played through injury, he’s smart, he’s tough, he gives all he’s got and he’s only getting better. Chargers rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater has been the national media darling most of the season, but it’s getting harder and harder to ignore the ascent of Sewell. The rookie has four games left on the slate, with the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers left.

The Detroit Lions for all the mistakes they had made Thursday against the Chicago Bears still had one chance to pick up their first win of the season.

Quarterback Jared Goff and left tackle Taylor Decker are both expected to suit up on Friday afternoon. Goff hasn’t practiced all week while dealing with an oblique strain, while Decker missed Thursday’s practice after suffering an elbow injury. After a couple days of rest, Goff told coaches he’s feeling better and is ready to try throwing at practice on Friday. “I think he’s good,” Campbell said. I think he’s going to be good to go.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff missed another practice, and he wasn’t the only one. Left tackle Taylor Decker was also sidelined on Thursday, along with rookie running back Jermar Jefferson and veteran edge defender Trey Flowers, leaving Detroit shorthanded heading into Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Goff is officially day-to-day with an oblique injury he suffered in Pittsburgh last week, although at this point, it’s not looking good. He admitted the injury limited his ability to throw against the Steelers -- he had just 54 yards passing in regulation, the worst outing by a Lions quarterback since 2004 -- and woke up even more sore on Monday. Decker just made a successful return to the position last week, but was in street clothes for practice on Thursday.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions welcomed back Taylor Decker to action last week, giving them their first look at the offensive line with the veteran and prized rookie Penei Sewell. Decker returned to left tackle, no surprises there, with Sewell moving to the right side of the line. Lions coach Dan Campbell said he thought both tackles played well, saying Decker’s presence could be felt. While Decker works to find his groove again, it’s hard to miss the continued development, not to mention eye-popping athleticism from Sewell. “I know he’s young and he’s maturing every day, (but) he’s a pro even though he’s so young,” Fraley said.

ALLEN PARK -- Taylor Decker has broken his silence, and boy did he have something to say. “Frankly I feel like the narrative of negativity surrounding my name, all year pretty much, has been bull(expletive),” Decker said during a video call with reporters on Monday afternoon. I’ve played a lot of football here and I think I’ve played well. Decker suffered a full spiral fracture to his finger during practice just four days before the opener against the 49ers. So I was just like, ‘Where is this coming from?’“I think the narrative should be that our O-line can be really, really good.

The Detroit Lions activated their left tackle for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, providing Jared Goff with some timely protection against one of the league’s best defenses. Decker is expected to make his season debut at left tackle, while promising rookie Penei Sewell will make his career debut at right tackle. He didn’t allow a sack in 15 games and ranked among the top 11 tackles -- left and right -- according to ProFootballFocus. Without him, the Lions were forced to move Sewell to left tackle and then insert Matt Nelson into the starting lineup on the right side. Mason Rudolph will start for him under center, his first start of the season and just his second since 2019.

Jamaal Williams and Austin Seibert, not so much. The Detroit Lions have ruled out Williams, their leading rusher, and Seibert, their top place kicker, for their game on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams is dealing with a thigh injury that he suffered leading up to the Week 8 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was listed as questionable for that game, then later downgraded to out. The good news is Decker was listed as questionable, the best designation available for an injured player.

Nothing is official yet, but all the tea leaves continue to suggest Taylor Decker is on the precipice of making his long-awaited season debut on Sunday in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. “I think he’s done pretty well, you know?” Campbell told reporters a few minutes before hitting the practice field. “Because not only is he a talented player -- he’s big, he’s long, he’s got really good feet -- but he’s smart now. The rookie was a dominant college left tackle who had struggled in his move to the right side over the offseason. Now he’s practiced there sparingly in the last two months while filling in for Decker on the left side.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions could be without Jamaal Williams again, with the starting running back missing his second straight practice on Thursday as the team prepares for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Everyone else, including new Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds and returning left tackle Taylor Decker, was spotted during the portion of practice open to reporters. I just met him 30 minutes ago,” Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said when asked about the chances Reynolds plays this weekend. “Jamaal, yeah, he’s coming along,” Lions running backs and assistant head coach Duce Staley said. Quarterback Tim Boyle and cornerbacks Ifeatu Melifonwu and Corey Ballentine also returned to practice this week while still on injured reserve.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions got some good and bad news with their first practice report out of the bye week. Running back Jamaal Williams (thigh) missed Wednesday’s session with a thigh injury while returning left tackle Taylor Decker (finger) and starting nickelback A.J. It’s worth noting Decker is expected to return to left tackle, pushing prized rookie Penei Sewell back to right tackle. “But as far we’re concerned, we’re going to go out and he’s going to go out there and practice,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. The Lions welcomed quarterback Tim Boyle, cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu and returner Corey Ballentine back to practice from injured reserve on Wednesday.

ALLEN PARK -- Taylor Decker suffered a setback in his initial attempt to return from injured reserve, and that’s something the Detroit Lions haven’t forgotten as the left tackle returns to practice. He’ll know. Despite this, Campbell continued to downplay the idea there was any hesitation to move the rookie back to right tackle when Decker can go. I think he’ll go over there and won’t miss a beat, me personally. It’ll be a little odd, but I also know he’s got enough reps over there, and look.

The club announced on Wednesday that injured cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu and returner Corey Ballentine will also return to practice this week, along with the previously announced return of quarterback Tim Boyle. Left tackle Taylor Decker also is expected back on the practice field on Wednesday, after previously suffering a setback in his return from finger surgery. Jeff Okudah suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the opener, which forced Melifonwu, a rookie third-round pick, into the starting lineup in Week 2. Then Melifonwu suffered a serious thigh injury in that game, which forced him to injured reserve as well. The Lions announced they’ve also re-signed receiver Tom Kennedy to the practice squad.

Dan Campbell spent much of last week scouting his own winless team.

Penei Sewell has held things down, and then some at left tackle with Decker out of action. “I looked at him today, and he had the right look in his eye and I know he’s really ready to go,” Campbell said. Evan Brown has filled Ragnow’s void in the middle, while Matt Nelson stepped into right tackle with Sewell’s move left. Despite all of this, Campbell downplayed the idea there was any hesitation to move the rookie back to right tackle with Decker returning. Penei Sewell is our right tackle.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are getting healthier at quarterback, with Tim Boyle expected to make his return to practice this week according to NFL Network. He was placed on injured reserve to start the season with the expectation he’d be out about six-to-eight weeks. Detroit has three weeks to take a look at Boyle before deciding whether to activate him to the 53-man roster or sit him down for the season. David Blough has replaced Boyle as the backup to Goff this season. He’s played just one series, when Goff was benched for the final series of an ugly 44-6 loss against Philadelphia before the bye week.

The Detroit Lions have activated offensive tackle Taylor Decker from injured reserve.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions activated offensive tackle Taylor Decker from injured reserve ahead of his deadline after all. Decker suffered a setback in his attempt to return, which endangered his season with the Lions taking it day-by-day. That would push Matt Nelson back to the bench after the converted defensive lineman started the first eight games at right tackle. “I think right now, the thought would be to move Decker back into his slot at left tackle and move Penei back to right tackle,” Campbell said before Decker’s setback. Strong’s return gives Detroit its defensive line at full strength, with Da’Shawn Hand making his season debut fresh off injured reserve last week.

The Detroit Lions have a lot of long-suffering fans and they’re starting to show their displeasure by simply not showing up for games to watch the NFL’s only winless team at Ford Field.

But then Decker suffered a setback in his return from finger surgery a day later. He still hasn’t practiced since, and now the Lions might have to take their decision on the left tackle all the way to the deadline. Asked whether they brought back Decker too quickly, head coach Dan Campbell said he has no regrets. But here it is.”Decker suffered the injury to his left hand just four days before the opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Rookie Penei Sewell moved from right to left tackle to replace him -- and has been on fire lately -- while Decker underwent surgery and was moved to injured reserve.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have placed offensive lineman Logan Stenberg on injured reserve. He’s the team’s 15th player on injured reserve at the moment, opening a roster spot heading into Week 8. In Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the second-year offensive guard was limited to three snaps on special teams. Stenberg had logged special teams snaps in each game this season, drawing four offensive plays along the way. Jackson has started all 23 games for the Lions since, while Stenberg has four offensive snaps to his name through two seasons.

ALLEN PARK -- Da’Shawn Hand and Kevin Strong are inching closer to returning for the Detroit Lions, with the team looking more likely to take their decision on Taylor Decker to the deadline. Decker was the lone player not spotted at practice, with everyone else accounted for during Friday’s open period to reporters. I would say Strong is just a little bit closer than Hand is, but the fact that we started Hand’s clock, that’s a good sign,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “Decker, so he’s -- look, he’s doing OK. He’s dying to play, but we’ve got to get through it and let this thing just -- get the feeling right.

ALLEN PARK -- Dan Campbell said he wanted to see what Taylor Decker looked like on the practice field this week before making a call on his possible return to the field. Then Decker didn’t even dress for practice on Wednesday, and Thursday neither. It now seems the left tackle won’t play this week, and Detroit will take its decision on Decker all the way to the deadline. “When you play left tackle, there’s a big part of this mentally,” Campbell said. “So guys who don’t practice as much, we won’t put as much on their plate, regardless of who they are.

ALLEN PARK -- Taylor Decker’s bid to play again this season isn’t going so well. Minutes after Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he wanted to see where Decker was at during practice before making a call on when -- or if -- the left tackle plays again in 2021, Decker wasn’t practicing at all. Decker has been on injured reserve with a finger injury he suffered in the days leading up to the opener. “When you play left tackle, there’s a big part of this mentally,” Campbell said. He’s continued to play through the issue, although he’s struggling to produce while dealing with added attention from the defense.

Taylor Decker could also return until as late as next season. The Detroit Lions simply don’t know yet when -- or whether -- their left tackle will play again in 2021. “When you play left tackle, there’s a big part of this mentally,” Campbell said. Sewell flipped from right to left tackle, and Decker has spent the first six weeks of the season on injured reserve. With two weeks left in the evaluation window, Campbell says Detroit is still weighing its options, including the possibility of shutting down Decker for the season.

DETROIT -- The Lions’ losing streak reached an NFL-worst 10 games on Sunday with a 34-11 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are three things we learned heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. While the Lions are certainly struggling, many of the kids are playing all right. You might think at some point Detroit would stop trusting him with the football in those situations, but here we are. No receiver caught a pass longer than 15 yards (Kennedy), and none finished with more than 37 yards overall (Kalif Raymond).

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have left a roster spot open in case Taylor Decker is ready to return on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, although it remains unclear whether the left tackle will be ready for that game. Head coach Dan Campbell said he intended to increase Decker’s activity on Friday, then a decision will be made on whether he’s ready to rejoin the team. We still have a roster spot with (Corey) Ballentine down, so we’ll just kind of play it by ear.”Decker has practiced at left tackle this week, while rookie Penei Sewell has begun taking more snaps at right tackle. “He needs some reps (at right tackle), but we’ve tried to do both,” Campbell said. “We’ve got walk-through reps where he’s taking some right, and then full speeds reps as well.

The Lions announced on Thursday morning they are moving Corey Ballentine to injured reserve. Ballentine is the 14th player to land on IR already, by far a high in the NFC North. Detroit did not announce a corresponding roster move heading into the final day of practice for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Both Decker and Strong returned to practice this week and are eligible to return to the 53-man roster at any time. He is expected to play left tackle when he returns to the field, bumping rookie Penei Sewell back to right tackle.

ALLEN PARK -- Jamaal Williams was not spotted at Wednesday’s practice, leaving the Detroit Lions without half of their one-two punch out of the backfield. Williams was a limited participant to start the week while dealing with a hip injury. Igwebuike is likely to replace Ballentine’s return reps if he’s unable to play in Week 6. T.J. Hockenson (knee), Trey Flowers (knee) and Amani Oruwariye (hip) were back in action, though, highlighting the good news from Thursday’s session. Oruwariye was in on drills with the other defensive backs, while Flowers didn’t appear to be limited in his work either.

That forced Bobby Price into the starting lineup, who was later benched for Jerry Jacobs, all of which left Oruwariye as the No. Now he’s banged up too, leaving the Lions short-handed in the secondary as they search for their first win of the season. Two other starters, tight end T.J. Hockenson and edge defender Trey Flowers, also did not practice. Left tackle Taylor Decker did make his return to the practice field as expected, although did so with a cast protecting his left hand. Detroit has three weeks to take a look at him before activating Decker or losing him for the season.

Left tackle Taylor Decker will make his return to the practice field on Wednesday as Detroit prepares for a Week 6 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Ford Field. He can practice for up to three weeks before Detroit must either return him to the 53-roster or shut him down for the season. Decker is expected to stay at left tackle, the position at which he has rose to prominence over the years, while rookie Penei Sewell is expected to move back to right tackle. Defensive tackle Kevin Strong, also on injured reserve, is expected to return to practice as well. Just as Decker is closing in on a long-awaited return to the field, Detroit has lost star center Frank Ragnow for the season.

ALLEN PARK -- Frank Ragnow has undergone successful surgery on his “stupid toe” after a frustrating 48 hours that ultimately ended his bid to play again in 2021. The Detroit Lions’ Pro Bowl center injured his toe two weeks ago in Chicago and was placed on injured reserve, but remained hopeful he could play again this season. “It has been an extremely frustrating past 48 hours,” Ragnow said in an Instagram post on Wednesday morning. “Had a successful surgery yesterday on my stupid toe and can’t wait to attack the process and get back to 100%. Decker suffered a finger injury in the days leading up to the season opener and has yet to play this season.

ALLEN PARK -- Taylor Decker has a chance to return as soon as this week, and that is “tentatively” expected to happen at left tackle according to head coach Dan Campbell. Rookie Penei Sewell has replaced Decker at left tackle this season, to mixed results. “I go back to every one of these looks he gets, he’s going to be better for it,” Campbell said. I do think he’ll learn.”In Sewell’s defense, he was also battling through an ankle injury all last week. (You talk about trying to give him help), he’ll be pissed off about that, too.”

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said he was planning to be without offensive tackle Penei Sewell on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, a blow for a team already down top offensive linemen Frank Ragnow and Taylor Decker. But a day later, the prized rookie was back on the practice field for the first time all week. For a team that hasn’t won in 10 months and already moved 12 players to injured reserve -- including five starters -- the return of Sewell and Hockenson for practice on Friday was a welcomed sight indeed. But Hockenson suffered a knee injury in the loss against Chicago last weekend that forced him to miss all of practice on Wednesday and most of practice on Thursday. The Lions were planning to start Matt Nelson at one of the offensive tackle spots, with likely Halapoulivaati Vaitai at the other, or possibly the recently signed Will Holden.

ALLEN PARK -- Another day, another injury for a Detroit Lions team that cannot catch a break. Rookie offensive tackle Penei Sewell is battling an ankle injury that is expected to keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Decker injury forced Sewell, the seventh overall pick in the draft, to move from right to left tackle just days before the opener against San Francisco. Assuming Sewell doesn’t play, it’s unclear how the Lions will proceed at offensive tackle. Another is Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who signed a big free-agent deal last year to be Detroit’s right tackle.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions join the Jacksonville Jaguars as the only winless teams left in the NFL. Not what they wanted of course, but certainly not unexpected either in these very early days of a multi-year rebuild. Tight end T.J. Hockenson and offensive tackle Penei Sewell (ankle) were not practicing during the 20 minutes that were available to reporters on Wednesday, leaving the Lions without any of their first-round picks as preparations began for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. “(Alim) McNeill’s coming along, Levi (Onwuzurike), he’s got to get better, but he’s continuing to grow. Sewell, there again, we’ll see where he’s at, but I feel like we still have enough young guys that we are developing.

That has forced Sewell to move to left tackle, after the 20-year-old spent the entire offseason learning to play right tackle. He’ll be limited if he practices at all on Wednesday and his status for the Minnesota game is unclear. “I know he’s trying to get back as fast as he can,” offensive line coach Hank Fraley said. Matt Nelson has started the first four games at right tackle, and will continue to play one of the tackle positions. He was given a big contract in free agency last year to play right tackle, but injuries and performance issues dogged him throughout the season.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions placed Romeo Okwara on injured reserve and reportedly signed offensive lineman Ryan McCollum from Houston’s practice squad. Okwara’s addition to injured reserve shouldn’t surprise anyone, with Lions coach Dan Campbell previously confirming a season-ending Achilles injury. Austin Bryant and Julian Okwara should also be in line for more work out of the edge defender room. Detroit could also be without center Frank Ragnow for a couple of games, signing McCollum from the Texans. “He’s got, basically, a version of turf toe right now is what he’s got,” Campbell said of Ragnow.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions were supposed to have one of the best offensive lines in the league this season. But top left tackle Taylor Decker has yet to play this season due to a finger injury, and now Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow is battling a version of turf toe. Neither is expected to play on Sunday when the Lions travel to Minnesota to face a Vikings front seven that has bombarded their quarterbacks over the years. Rookie Penei Sewell has filled in for Decker at left tackle this season, but struggled the last two weeks. Detroit has not announced its plans for the offensive line when Decker returns, but Sewell said he expects to move back to right tackle whenever that happens.

Rookie Penei Sewell is struggling at left tackle. He played his worst game of the season last week against Baltimore, then was even worse in Chicago. There’s a reason the Lions wanted him at left tackle (because he’s really good) and Sewell on the right (because he’s really young), and while they have not announced their future intentions, dollars to doughnuts Decker will stay at left tackle when he comes off injured reserve. To be fair to Price, he’s not even supposed to be out there. Detroit also played that game without its top left tackle (Taylor Decker), top cornerback (Jeff Okudah), the top cornerback’s replacement (Ifeati Melifonwu) and top run defender on the edge (Trey Flowers).

But from the sounds of it, Sewell expects to return to right tackle when Decker is activated. That could happen as soon as next week, when Detroit travels to Minnesota to face the Vikings, and Sewell is already getting in “as much right tackle as possible” on the side. Sewell played left tackle at Oregon, but moved to right tackle upon arriving in Detroit. Doing it at left tackle, and facing some of the best pass rushers on the planet, is even harder. Why are the Lions best off with him at right tackle instead, and Decker on the left side?

The problem facing Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell isn’t finding things to fix.

New quarterback Jared Goff is taking ownership of the offense for the Detroit Lions in hopes of bringing his new team its first championship in 64 years.

More NFL players are getting vaccinated following the league’s announcement that outbreaks among non-vaccinated players will cost a team a forfeit and result in no game checks that week for both teams involved.

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is about to have his first chance to make a difference for a long-suffering franchise.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Detroit. The Bucs (10-5) set a franchise record with 588 yards and snapped the NFL’s second-longest postseason drought behind Cleveland’s 18-year run that can end Sunday. RECORD WATCHBrady has thrown a franchise-record 36 touchdowns and set a personal record with 348 yards passing by halftime. Tampa Bay set team records in points (34) and yards (410) in the first half. Lions: Stafford left the game with an ankle injury after he was 2 of 3 for 17 yards on his only possession.

(AP Photo/John Froschauer)Dalvin Cook is back for the Minnesota Vikings from a one-game absence, his injured groin cleared to play in Green Bay. Packers: QB Jordan Love, CB Kevin King, S Raven Greene, RB Aaron Jones, LB Randy Ramsey, OT David Bakhtiari, DL Billy Winn. ___LOS ANGELES RAMS AT MIAMIRams: RB Raymond Calais, OL Brian Allen, WR Trishton Jackson, TE Brycen Hopkins, DL A’Shawn Robinson. Dolphins: RB/WR Lynn Bowden Jr., RB Salvon Ahmed, FB Chandler Cox, CB Jamal Perry, RB Jordan Howard, DE Jason Strowbridge. Bengals: K Austin Seibert, WR John Ross III, RB Joe Mixon, OG Michael Jordan, C Trey Hopkins, OT Bobby Hart, OT Jonah Williams.

DETROIT Taylor Decker has agreed to a six-year, $85 million deal with the Detroit Lions that includes $37.5 million guaranteed, agent Jonathan Feinsod confirmed Tuesday. Decker joined the Lions as a first-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2016. He became the first Detroit rookie offensive tackle to start all 16 games since 2001. After impressing as a rookie, he missed the start of the 2017 season following shoulder surgery and played only eight games that year. Decker's deal adds to the investment the Lions have made in their offensive line this offseason.