Giovanni Manu confident he’ll be “ready” if called upon in Week 2

After a disastrous performance in Week 1, the last thing Detroit Lions fans want to hear is the possibility that one of their veteran offensive linemen may not play against the Chicago Bears for their Week 2 match-up.

Tackle Taylor Decker did not practice at all throughout the week with a shoulder injury, but he was nowhere to be found on the Lions' inactives list ahead of the contest. This suggests he'll be suiting up despite not practicing, and despite the risk to his health.

All eyes will be on tackle Giovanni Manu, who is in line to play in place Decker if the need ever arises. Manu has been practicing with the starters throughout the week, and Campbell said Friday that he has been preparing the young tackle to be ready to play, saying, “He’s going to have to be ready. He knows that. He’s been getting reps all week.”

Campbell had positive things to say about Manu’s performance, saying, “I did think he’s practiced better these last two days, which is good. And he’s part of a whole unit. He’s part of all five of those guys up there. So, he’ll be ready.”

Manu spoke to the media on Friday and was asked about Campbell saying it'll be his number called if Decker can't play:

I'm totally ready, I mean, Taylor Decker is a (expletive) of a player. He's a mentor to me, but I've told myself this countless times. I've told people this, too, if I ever have my #59 called, best believe that I'll grab every moment of it, and I'll give it my all. And yeah, that's it. Seize the opportunity, right?

When asked how prepared he is compared to last season or training camp, Manu responded, "Oh, I'm totally prepared, and that's a huge thank you to Steve (Oliver) and Hank (Fraley)." Manu continued, "I've worked countlessly with them before practice and even after practice, and Steve told me after practice today that he thought I had probably one of my best weeks of practice. And I told him, 'Cause I'm ready.'"