The Detroit Lions could see the return of their starting left tackle when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.
Although head coach Dan Campbell initially told reporters that veteran tackle Taylor Decker would not practice on Thursday, the 32-year-old was later spotted participating during the media’s open portion of practice at the team’s Allen Park facility.
Decker, who appeared on the team’s injury report as limited, has missed considerable practice time due to a lingering shoulder issue. After playing in Detroit’s first four games of the 2025 season, the former first-round pick was sidelined against both the Bengals and Chiefs.
The veteran underwent offseason shoulder surgery meant to fix the problem, but the discomfort has carried over into his 10th NFL campaign.
Linebacker Zach Cunningham also returned to the field Thursday, while defensive tackle DJ Reader and defensive back Avonte Maddox were seen working individually with a team trainer.
Among those absent from practice were running back Sione Vaki, safety Kerby Joseph, cornerback Terrion Arnold, and safety Brian Branch. Branch’s absence follows the denial of his suspension appeal, which will keep him away from the team until next Tuesday.
Detroit’s offense will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing showing against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite Campbell’s call for the team to reach the 30-point mark, the Lions struggled to generate rhythm in the second half.
Quarterback Jared Goff reflected on the performance, saying:
“I thought we moved the ball decently. We didn’t have many possessions, but neither did they. When you play that type of long-possession game, you’ve got to finish drives with touchdowns—they did that, and we didn’t.”
Campbell emphasized that the recent loss has added urgency heading into Week 7.
“Nobody wants to lose, but sometimes it gives you that extra push to get back on track,” he said. “We’re heading into a stretch of tough games, and our margin for error is small. That’s what I told the team today.”
Detroit Lions Thursday Injury Report – Week 7
- CB Terrion Arnold — Shoulder (Did Not Practice)
- S Kerby Joseph — Knee (Did Not Practice)
- DB Avonte Maddox — Hamstring (Did Not Practice)
- DT DJ Reader — Back (Did Not Practice)
- RB Sione Vaki — Groin (Did Not Practice)
- LT Taylor Decker — Shoulder (Limited Practice)
- LB Zach Cunningham — Hamstring (Full Practice)
- DT Alim McNeill — Knee (Full Practice)
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