The Detroit Lions’ offensive line continues to be a central talking point as the team navigates early-season injuries and adjustments. With veteran left tackle Taylor Decker still nursing an injury, head coach Dan Campbell has confirmed that Pro Bowl tackle Penei Sewell will remain at right tackle for the foreseeable future. While Decker’s status is improving, the Lions are opting for continuity and chemistry across the offensive front rather than shuffling positions unnecessarily.
Decker, one of Detroit’s most reliable linemen since being drafted in 2016, has been dealing with a lingering ankle issue that has limited his availability. Though reports suggest he is “trending in the right direction” and could return soon, the team has decided not to rush him back. Campbell and the coaching staff are prioritizing his long-term health, especially with the Lions’ playoff ambitions and the demanding stretch of games ahead.
In Decker’s absence, Sewell has stayed put at right tackle — a decision that reflects how comfortable he has become in that role. Since entering the league as the Lions’ first-round pick in 2021, Sewell has developed into one of the NFL’s premier right tackles. His combination of strength, agility, and intelligence makes him a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive identity. Although he played left tackle in college at Oregon and briefly in the NFL, Sewell has excelled on the right side, forming a dominant pairing with right guard Graham Glasgow.
Many fans initially speculated that Sewell might slide over to left tackle to fill Decker’s void, as he did in previous seasons when injuries struck. However, Campbell emphasized that maintaining balance and familiarity across the line was more important this time. “We like where Penei is right now,” Campbell told reporters earlier in the week. “He’s playing at a very high level at right tackle, and we don’t want to disrupt what’s working well.”
The Lions have relied on a combination of reserve linemen to fill in for Decker, including Dan Skipper and Matt Nelson, who have taken reps at left tackle during practice. While neither offers Decker’s elite consistency, their experience in the system has allowed Detroit to remain competitive in the trenches. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has also adjusted play-calling to provide extra protection for quarterback Jared Goff, using tight ends and running backs to chip against aggressive edge rushers.
Decker’s potential return would be a major boost for Detroit, especially as they prepare for a series of key divisional matchups. His presence on the blind side not only stabilizes pass protection but also enhances the team’s dominant running game led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. With Sewell and Decker anchoring both edges, the Lions arguably boast one of the best tackle tandems in the NFL.
For now, the team remains patient and focused. The message from Allen Park is clear: Sewell stays at right tackle, Decker heals, and the Lions keep rolling forward. Campbell’s disciplined approach to managing injuries has earned the trust of both players and fans, reflecting the new culture of accountability and smart decision-making that defines this Detroit team.
If Decker continues trending upward as expected, his return could come as soon as next week. Until then, Sewell’s steady dominance on the right side ensures the Lions’ offensive line remains one of their strongest assets — a foundation upon which their playoff hop
es firmly rest.
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