Lions to start third different left tackle in three weeks after latest injury updates which will also affect their defense
The depth of Dan Campbell’s team will be put to the test in primetime.
The Detroit Lions are prepping to play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football in Week 6. It won’t be easy for the team in blue, but they have played impressive football in recent weeks. With that, injuries are trying their best to detour this season on both sides of the football for Detroit.
The latest updates for the Lions will put their offensive line in a spot they probably didn’t expect to start the season. Meanwhile, the defense will need to make notable adjustments due to ailments as well.
Lions forced to start third option at left tackle due to mounting injuries
Via the team social media, the Lions have ruled out three more players for Sunday night’s matchup. Starting left tackle Taylor Decker is out due to his shoulder injury, and his backup, Giovanni Manu, will also miss the game due to his knee injury. Defensive back Avonte Maddox has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Manu started at LT for Detroit last week, but the performance was less than ideal at times. Manu recorded a 17.5 pass block grade in his first pro start, showing plenty of glimpses to the raw aspect of his profile when he entered the NFL. Dan Skipper is expected to start in his place against the Chiefs.
Skipper is a veteran with plenty of playing experience. Additionally, OL Devin Cochran could be a practice squad elevation for this game. Would make plenty of sense for Detroit’s depth.
Recent secondary signing will also be tested vs. Chiefs
On the defense, the lack of Maddox could plunge DB Arthur Maulet into a bigger role in the secondary. Maulet joined the Lions this week. He’s an experienced piece on the back end, but his starting time in the pros has been limited. The immense amount of injuries in the Lions secondary may thrust him into the lineup just days after joining the unit, though.
“Maulet has 23 career starts, but has played 85 games in his career. The majority of those starts came recently with the Jets and Steelers. His best season was in 2023 when he played 14 games for the Ravens and had five PBU’s and an interception. In 2024, he missed most of the year with a knee injury and which hurt his chances to be a bigger part of things in Baltimore.” — Mike Payton
We all know that these sort of absences won’t give Dan Campbell any excuses, though. He will always follow the “next man up” mantra and expect different players to rise to the occasion for his squad. Let’s see if they can do that and earn a massive victory over Kansas City in Week 6.
Detroit Lions News
Lions are signing veteran cornerback with ties to Dan Campbell
An addition to the cornerback room with a lot of experience
