Lions remain cautious with LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)

Field Level Media|published: Fri 12th September, 12:42 2025

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) takes the field during introduction before the between Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.

Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker was not expected to practice on Friday, putting his availability in question for Sunday's game against the visiting Chicago Bears.

Lions coach Dan Campbell, however, said Decker wants to play against the Bears (0-1) and is leaving the door open for the Pro Bowler. Decker, 32, has missed practice throughout this week due to a shoulder injury.

"Well, he's got a little bit of something here, and so we're just trying to buy him some time here to where he feels better," Campbell said Friday. "And then, a lot of it, too, is the luxury of -- Decker's played a lot of football. And so he'll be ready as long as it feels right. So, we feel good right now. And there, again, we've still got another day here and we'll see. So, I can't give a definitive yes, but it's where it's at."

Giovanni Manu would be in line to start for Detroit (0-1) on Sunday if Decker is unable to play.

Decker was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list in July as he recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.

A Pro Bowl selection last season, Decker has started all 127 of his games with Detroit since arriving as a first-round draft pick (16th overall) in 2016.

--Field Level Media

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