Matt

Nelson

Fellow offensive linemen Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Matt Nelson were ruled out. Jonah Jackson is also questionable. The Lions’ line was billed as one of the team’s biggest strengths entering the season, but injuries have taken their toll on the team’s bigs. Getting Decker back would be a notable win for Jared Goff and company. Decker was limited in practice throughout the week.

Nelson appeared in 11 games last year, logging 70 offensive snaps as a backup. He also picks up work on special teams. Nelson got 11 games worth of starting experience in 2021 and is a solid backup option for the Lions.

The Lions enter Week 8 relatively healthy on offense. Critically, both Amon-Ra St. Brown and D’Andre Swift will be back in the lineup this week.

A defensive lineman at Iowa, Nelson transitioned to tackle in Detroit last year. He played in all 16 games and got one start for the Lions. Nelson, 25, will stay in Detroit for at least one more season. Pro Football Focus graded the Lions offensive line as the ninth best pass blocking unit and the worst run blocking unit in the NFL last year.

All three were exclusive rights free agents, so their choices were to sign or pick up their ball and go home. A 2018 UDFA out of Penn State, Cabinda was ninth in offensive snaps amongst fullbacks last season. We would assume he will maintain a role under hard-nosed new coach Dan Campbell.

Just when Nelson might be ready to return is uncertain. His right leg was encased in a boot on Wednesday, so this injury might be one that will take a little time. The 6-foot-8, 270-pounder recorded 43 tackles (6.5 for loss) and 5.5 sacks over the course of 13 games started this past season.