The Detroit Lions got bad news last week when Taylor Decker sustained a shoulder injury in practice and was not able to play against the Houston Texans.
Decker's loss was felt immensely on the offensive line, and Jared Goff was under duress much of the night, making plenty of mistakes that nearly cost Detroit. The Lions were able to rally for an improbable 26-23 win in the second half by sticking with their offense, but it didn't improve Decker's mood about what he saw happen in his absence.
Speaking Wednesday, Decker wasted no time taking complete ownership of the situation. He blamed himself for missing the game and not being able to help what quickly became a tough night for the offensive line.
"Whenever you have to pull back the reigns and sit one out, I felt personally responsible for the first half of that game. I'm not saying that jokingly. I felt really bad even though I know it was in my best interest and the team's best interest to sit that one out. When you're not out there with your guys especially when it's guys you've played with as much as I've played with some of these guys on offense, it's a guilty feeling. It really is. So, as soon as you can get back out there, that's one thing that's going to drive you to want to be back out there. When you don't get to (play)."
Will Decker return for Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars? After he was estimated a limited practice participant on Wednesday, that is currently open for debate. The word was his shoulder injury was week-to-week, so it will be worth watching how his health progresses. It's clear he would prefer to play.
Penei Sewell warns Detroit Lions are in for another tough fight up front in Week 11
Whether the Lions have Decker back this week or not, the team will be challenged by the Jaguars, who have some talented players on the defensive line in spite of having a losing record this season.
Sewell is keenly aware of the challenge that Joshua Hines-Allen and Travon Walker will bring, and already has his guard up for the battle ahead given their overall abilities.
"Anybody knows that those two guys are phenomenal talents. Just off the paper, you can see how big and strong those guys are. Then obviously, when you watch the tape, they're physical players on both ends and their athletic ability just makes it a challenge. So we know what type of challenge we have on the edges, and we just got to do what we do."
If Decker can't go, the Lions will likely turn to Dan Skipper again in his absence.
After hearing his take on missing Week 10, it's very wise to bet on Decker doing whatever possible to play on Sunday.
