Don Muhlbach may have been cut in the preseason, but he never parted ways with the Detroit Lions.
Rather than leave football in the rear-view mirror, the former long snapper took on a role with the team’s coaching staff. He transitioned to this new position, but details about it were vague.
With special teams coordinator Dave Fipp testing positive for COVID-19, more details about Muhlbach’s role have emerged.
“Muhlbach’s been doing a helluva job filling in and helping out,” said head coach Dan Campbell.
Campbell spoke Friday about Muhlbach’s evolution as a member of the organization and said he’s been great in his new job. After 17 years as the team’s starting long snapper, he’s taken ownership in his new avenue with the Lions.
“He loves the scouting side of it,” Campbell said. “And he loves just the organization and sponsorship. Anything he can be, just help us, is really what he wants to do. But I don’t want to say he’s had toe in the water with coaching, but it certainly intrigues him. I’ll tell you this, when you see him coaching, it’s all passion, all energy.”
All options on the table with Taylor Decker
Out since before week one, offensive tackle Taylor Decker has suffered a setback in his recovery.
The Ohio State product suffered a finger injury and had surgery in the days leading to Detroit’s regular season opener. He is eligible to be reinstated on the roster from injured reserve, but Campbell and company aren’t sure he’s ready.
Because of this, the team is weighing its options. Campbell could elect to remove him from IR and have him prepare to play, but it may not be worth taking a roster spot.
“I think all options are on the table,” Campbell said. “Everything’s out there right now. Certainly, if it’s not now, it’ll be after the bye which is what it’s looking like right now. But if it’s not then, and we have the spot available and we’re not pressed to make a decision right now one way or another, we’d be open (to activating him).”
Injury update
Decker is one of several players who could come back from IR. Da’Shawn Hand, who was dealing with a groin injury, may be the first to return.
“I would say Hand is the closest one to being ready to go,” Campbell said.
There are other injury questions surrounding the team, such as rookie defensive back A.J. Parker. The undrafted rookie from Kansas State left the Lions’ week seven game against the Los Angeles Rams with a shoulder injury.
Parker is expected to “move around” in practice, with his performance dictating a decision on his playing status.
Running back Jamal Williams has been limited in practice and will also be evaluated Friday. He is on track to play, but it’s a question about how much he can handle.
“Today will be the big test as to where we feel like he is and how he feels,” Campbell said.
Halloween tradition
With Sunday’s game being played on Halloween, Campbell was asked to recount his childhood trick-or-treating experiences growing up in Texas.
He remembered him and his brother being driven to the nearest town and running house to house while his father shouted, “Hurry up."
“We’d load up, (Campbell’s father) would yell, ‘Hurry up.’ We’d be in our suits, have our bags, just the old paper bags. Run up there and do it. We’d just go from house to house.”
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