Detroit Lions expect LT Taylor Decker to play vs. Chicago Bears
Taylor Decker played all 67 snaps in the Detroit Lions’ Week 1 loss to Green Bay.
But a problem with his shoulder caused the veteran left tackle to miss practice Wednesday, which raised doubts about his availability for the team’s home opener against Chicago this Sunday.
In a matter of seconds, offensive coordinator John Morton squashed them.
“We’re totally expecting Decker to play,” Morton said Thursday, Sept. 11.
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.
That’s good news for the Lions, who are rather thin at Decker’s position. Giovanni Manu, a second-year lineman who made his NFL regular-season debut Sunday and played exclusively on special teams, is the only backup on the active roster behind Decker and his counterpart on the right side, Penei Sewell. Fellow reserve Jamarco Jones was placed on injured reserve last Saturday after hurting his ankle in practice last week. The Lions also have a pair of tackles, Dan Skipper and the newly-signed Devin Cochran, on the practice squad.
Decker wasn’t specific about his condition when he met with reporters Wednesday.
“Just got some stuff I am dealing with and hopefully will be out there Sunday,” he said.
The 32-year-old Decker was sidelined the first two weeks of training camp as he recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.
Steelers Fans Get Crucial Update On Pittsburgh's Level Of Interest In Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill
The Pittsburgh Steelers' passing attack was not the issue in Week 1 against the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers and this offense lit it up through the air, passing for four touchdowns and 244 yards in the 34-32 win over the Jets. Despite offseason questions about whether the team needed to add more weapons at wide receiver, Rodgers showed he could make the most of the talent currently on the roster.
The Steelers have DK Metcalf as their clear star, while Calvin Austin III continues to rise as a reliable target. Beyond those two, the rest of the production should be more of a committee approach, with multiple players contributing at key moments. This approach has kept the offense balanced, but it also highlights the lack of a true second star at the wide receiver position. Adding another top-tier receiver could take some pressure off Rodgers and open up the offense even more.
Mike Florio recently reported there is already chatter about the Steelers potentially trading for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is reportedly disgruntled in his current situation. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac confirmed that Pittsburgh has not shown a level of interest in acquiring a wide receiver, especially not Hill. While nothing is certain, it sounds like right now the Steelers feel very confident in Austin and the rest of the weapons on offense.
"Not likely, especially Hill," Dulac said in response to a fan who asked how likely the Steelers are to add a wide receiver.
While that does not mean a trade is impossible, it does put a bit of cold water on the news that Hill could come to Steel City. For starters, Hill has been unhappy in Miami for a couple of years now, and nothing from the Dolphins’ Week 1 performance suggests that situation is changing. If things continue to deteriorate in Miami, the situation could eventually open the door for Pittsburgh to explore a move for Hill. However, Dulac would not bet on it happening.
The Steelers clearly have a lot of faith in Austin. He put on a show in Week 1 against the Jets, catching four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. Austin was a difference-maker, and if he continues to play at that level every game during the 2025 season, the Steelers’ passing attack will be just fine.
https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1965494662921404917
Steelers' Calvin Austin III In Great Spot In Pittsburgh
With Austin emerging and Metcalf already established as the team’s top target, Pittsburgh has a strong foundation at wide receiver even without a potential blockbuster addition. While Hill would certainly add star power, the Steelers have proven they can move the ball through the air effectively with the talent currently on the roster. At least in Week 1, it's a long NFL season.
Austin is in a great spot in Pittsburgh, where he has made the most of every opportunity he has been given. Now, with Rodgers throwing him the ball and following his impressive Week 1 performance, Austin is really starting to showcase what he can do in the NFL. He will look to build off of his strong showing against the Jets in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Do you still think the Steelers need help at wide receiver? Why or why not?
