Lions Announce Exciting Development on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 12:25 PM ET

Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions are 5-3 with a Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders. They're looking to bounce back after losing to the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 last week.

Goff has been solid through the team's first eight games. He has completed 177-of-240 passes for 1,915 yards, 17 touchdowns, three interceptions and a 115.2 passer rating.

The Lions have put together a very efficient offense, which ranks second in points per game (29.9 ) and 11th in total yards per game (350.8). However, several key players have been dealing with injuries, including offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker.

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (left), quarterback Jared Goff (middle) and offensive tackle Taylor Decker (right)Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sewell and Decker are both dealing with shoulder injuries. They were listed as non-participants in Wednesday's practice and limited on Thursday.

On Friday, though, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN, head coach Dan Campbell announced Sewell and Decker are both trending toward playing against the Commanders.

"Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are both trending to play this week according to Dan Campbell," Woodyard wrote.

Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are both trending to play this week according to Dan Campbell.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) November 7, 2025

The Lions have allowed 18 sacks on Goff through eight games. That's tied for the 19th most in the NFL, showing the pass protection isn't elite.

However, these two haven't been the main problem. Sewell has the highest Pro Football Focus overall grade of any offensive tackle (95.7) and has not given up any sacks. Meanwhile, Decker has the 46th-best (63.3), allowing just one sack.

Giving Goff a clean pocket and ample time to make a throw would help the offense reach new heights. Potentially losing both starting offensive tackles would be a huge setback.

Luckily, Campbell is confident in their ability to play, and Detroit does not have to announce a final decision 90 minutes before kickoff.

The Lions and Commanders are scheduled to play on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET at Northwest Stadium on Fox.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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