The 11-1 Detroit Lions will host the 9-3 Green Bay Packers at Ford Field for their 13th regular season game, marking the final division clash between
the two teams this season on Thursday Night Football.A win over the Packers would secure the Lions a playoff spot for the second consecutive year and the second time under head coach Dan Campbell.
The Lions are favored by 3.5 points, with the over/under set at 51.5.
Tackle Taylor Decker sustained a knee injury during the third quarter of the Lions’ Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts and missed 14 of 82 offensive snaps.
He didn’t participate in last week’s limited practice sessions and was ruled out for the Week 13 Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears.
Decker missed all three days of practice this week as he continues to recover from the knee injury.
The Lions have now officially ruled him out for Thursday Night Football. He will miss his second consecutive game and the third of the season.
With Decker sidelined, the Lions are expected to have Dan Skipper step in as left tackle to protect quarterback Jared Goff’s blindside.
Skipper started at left tackle in Week 10 against the Houston Texans and again in Week 13 against the Bears.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson expressed confidence in Skipper, noting his adaptability and effort.
“He’s come in and fought his tail off, exactly what we expected,” Johnson said.
“He knows his physical limits and adjusts his game accordingly.
If he needs to take a different angle or approach due to a slight speed disadvantage compared to Decker, he does so.
He also understands how to handle edge rushers, making sure they won’t win quickly.
Even if they do get by him, it won’t be a fast win, so he buys us time. He fights for all 60 minutes, and we know we can rely on him.”
Skipper’s experience and willingness to battle through challenges have made him a dependable replacement for Decker, giving the Lions a solid option as they face the Packers on Thursday night.