MINNEAPOLIS – Detroit Lions veteran left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest) had illness added to Detroit's injury report Christmas morning and it will prevent him from playing in today's NFC North matchup in Minnesota against the Vikings. Decker is inactive.
Veteran reserve and swing tackle Dan Skipper will likely get the start in Decker's place at left tackle and will be tasked with protecting quarterback Jared Goff’s blindside against an aggressive Vikings defense that ranks in the top 10 in the league in sacks (40) and are one of only five teams in the NFL this season with a hurry percentage over 10 percent (10.3) on the year.
The Lions listed 11 players on Wednesday's practice report as questionable to play today and only Decker and reserve interior lineman Trystan Colon (wrist) are inactive.
Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was questionable as he's dealt with a knee injury that surfaced on Monday, but St. Brown is active and will play. Edge Marcus Davenport (shoulder), guard Christian Mahogany (fibula), defensive lineman Alim McNeill (abdomen), running back David Montgomery (illness) and cornerback Amik Robertson (hand) were among those players listed as questionable but all are active.
Detroit will have to dig deeper into their safety depth today with Avonte Maddox being ruled out Wednesday with a back injury and an illness. Detroit's already without starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, who are both on injured reserve. Thomas Harper, Daniel Thomas and Jalen Mills are all available to play there.
Joining Decker, Maddox and Colon on Detroit's inactive list today vs. the Vikings are: Wide receiver Dominic Lovett, interior offensive lineman Michael Niese, defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo and defensive lineman Tyler Lacy.
