The 11-1 Detroit Lions face the 9-3 Green Bay Packers at Ford Field for their 13th regular season game and final divisional matchup on Thursday Night Football.
A win would secure the Lions a playoff spot for the second consecutive season under head coach Dan Campbell. The Lions are 3.5-point favorites, with an over/under of 51.5 points.
Taylor Decker’s Absence Since Week 12
Taylor Decker, Detroit’s $60 million offensive tackle, injured his knee in the third quarter of the Lions’ Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts, playing only 68 of 82 offensive snaps.
Decker missed all practice sessions last week and was ruled out for the Lions’ Thanksgiving victory against the Chicago Bears in Week 13.
Out for Thursday Night Football
Decker remained sidelined during Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday practices as he continues to recover.
The Lions’ final injury report for the week confirmed Decker as one of four players ruled out for Thursday Night Football. This marks his second consecutive absence and third missed game of the season.
Dan Skipper to Step In
Dan Skipper is expected to start at left tackle and protect Jared Goff’s blindside against the Packers. Skipper previously started at the position in Week 10 against the Houston Texans and Week 13 against the Bears. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson expressed confidence in the 30-year-old lineman, praising his adaptability and effort.
“He’s fought his tail off, just as we expected,” Johnson said. “He knows his physical limitations and adjusts his angles and techniques accordingly. He ensures edge rushers can’t win reps quickly, forcing them to work harder. He’ll fight and finish every snap for all 60 minutes.”
