Kevin

Zeitler

Zeitler missed just two games last year, despite it being his age-34 season. Zeitler remains a high-end run blocker and pass protector, having earned a 71.8 PFF pass-blocking grade and an 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade with the Lions. While he is not a long-term fix, he provides stability to a subpar unit.

Montgomery was trending toward a return after being a full participant in practice all week. The thunder to Jahmyr Gibbs’ lightning will officially be good to go for Saturday’s game, with a right to host the NFC Championship Game on the line. Montgomery averaged 15.8 touches per game during the regular season and should see plenty of work against a Commanders defense that has struggled to slow opposing ground games. In addition to Montgomery, the Lions also listed CB Ennis Rakestraw as questionable for Saturday’s game while ruling out guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and DE Pat O’Conner (calf).

Decker is good to go for the Lions’ Divisional Round game against the Commanders this weekend. He reportedly missed Wednesday’s practice celebrating the birth of his second child. Lions RG Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) is the other offensive lineman who has missed practice this week. After being a DNP on Thursday, Lions coach Dan Campbell said Christian Mahogany would start in Zeitler’s place if Zeitler is unable to go on Saturday against the Commanders.

Zeitler is a capable pass protector and an exceptionally talented run-blocker. His absence in a playoff game against the Commanders could be an issue. Zeitler’s Thursday practice participation will prove pivotal.

Zeitler missed Week 7 with the groin but should be good to go after getting in a full practice on Wednesday. The Lions have a relatively clean injury report heading into their date with the Titans.

Zeitler went from a limited practice on Thursday to a DNP on Friday before being listed as questionable. The downgrade foreshadowed his eventual absence. Cornerback Carlton Davis is active as expected.

Zeitler did not practice on Wednesday and was upgraded to a limited session on Thursday. He was downgraded to a DNP to close the week, putting him on the wrong side of questionable heading into the weekend. Pro Football Focus has Zeitler graded as one of their 10 best guards this year. Cornerback Carlton Davis was the only other Lions listed as questionable. He practiced in full on Friday and should be good to go.

The 12-year veteran made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2023 as a member of the Ravens. Zeitler has started 181 games across 182 professional appearances and brings size and veteran savvy to a retooled Lions offensive line. It remains to be seen whether Zeitler will displace Graham Glasgow on the right side or Kayode Awosika on the left side, but Zeitler has played almost exclusively right guard during his illustrious career.

Zeitler and the Ravens didn’t reach an agreement ahead of Monday’s deadline. Now set to hit free agency, the veteran guard, who started all 47 games he appeared in for the Ravens since 2021, should have a strong free agent market come next month. Zeitler turns 34 next month and earned a Pro Bowl nod for his 2023 efforts and earned a PFF blocking grade of 71.6. In addition to Zeitler, RB Gus Edwards, CB Rock Ya-Sin, and S Geno Stone are also set to hit free agency after failing to land new deals prior to the deadline. As a result, the Ravens will carry $8.308 million in dead cap into next season.

“When you’re in a place this good, you’d love to finish your career here. I have no intention of stopping. Not coming to OTAs for the first time made it really clear I still need this game.” Zeitler, 33, was linked to retirement after skipping OTAs but reported for mandatory minicamp this month. In the final year of a three-year contract, Zeitler is likely open to a team-friendly deal to finish his career in Baltimore.