The Detroit Lions may have pulled off a hard-fought win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, but the absence of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker loomed large throughout the game.

Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed afterward that Detroit isn’t rushing Decker’s return, saying the team will “play it smart” as he continues to deal with a nagging shoulder issue.

Decker was officially downgraded on Saturday and later ruled out for Sunday’s matchup. His late scratch forced the Lions to turn to Giovanni Manu, who made his first NFL start protecting Jared Goff‘s blind side.

While Detroit’s offense held firm enough to escape with a gritty win, the impact of losing Decker was clear.

Campbell said the coaching staff’s decision came down to risk versus reward. “The decision to make Taylor Decker inactive was due to the ‘diminishing returns’ on his shoulder,” Ben Raven of MLive posted on X.

Detroit leans on depth amid lingering concerns

The Lions’ offensive line has long been one of the team’s biggest strengths, built around Decker’s consistency and leadership.

Without him, Goff faced more pressure from Cincinnati’s defensive front, which disrupted the passing rhythm early and forced Detroit to rely more heavily on its run game.

Giovanni Manu’s debut was a trial by fire against a veteran Bengals defense. Though he showed flashes of potential, there were also growing pains.

Goff was sacked twice and hurried several more times, highlighting just how vital Decker’s presence is in stabilizing protection and maintaining balance on offense.

A cautious approach for the long haul

Campbell’s tone after the win made it clear the Lions are thinking long-term. Detroit entered Week 5 tied for the NFC North lead, and the team’s playoff aspirations hinge on keeping its key veterans healthy down the stretch.

“Play it smart” has become Campbell’s mantra this season, especially with players dealing with recurring issues like Decker’s shoulder.

Decker, one of the longest-tenured Lions and a foundational piece of their offensive rebuild, missed time earlier in the season but returned briefly before the injury flared up again.

The staff’s decision to hold him out against Cincinnati reflects a broader strategy of managing workloads through the early part of the schedule.

For Goff, the challenge now is maintaining rhythm with an offensive line that’s constantly adjusting. The veteran quarterback has been one of the league’s most efficient passers through five weeks, but his timing and confidence depend heavily on stability up front.