Joe

Dahl

The move will save Detroit roughly $2.9 million in cap space. The writing had been on the wall since Dahl, oft-injured, has yet to eclipse 13 appearances in any season. He’ll land elsewhere as a rotational reserve.

Dahl has been battling various injuries all year, providing only 195 total snaps. A groin injury has been the primary culprit. It is unclear how long he might be sidelined by his back.

Dahl played every offensive snap in Week 1 but suffered the injury during practice. Oday Aboushi likely steps into Dahl’s starting spot, and the latter will be sidelined for at least the next three games.

Dahl initally injured his groin in practice mid-week. Fortunately for Detroit, starting RT Halapoulivaati Vaitai (foot) was upgraded to questionable on Detroit’s final injury report. Oday Aboushi is the leading candidate to start in Dahl’s stead.

Dahl started 13 games this season and earned PFF’s No. 26 highest grade among 85 qualified guards. His absence won’t help matters for a Lions offense that is all kinds of banged up at the moment.

Headed into his age-26 campaign, Dahl is a career swing man who is in the mix at left guard. Graham Glasgow is manning the right side this season. Dahl is competing with Kenny Wiggins. The extension would seem to be a vote of confidence in Dahl, who has made only four career starts. He played 49 snaps in 2018.

Warford is almost certain to bolt, leaving Dahl to compete with 2015 first-rounder Laken Tomlinson. Dahl only played 20 snaps as a rookie, but GM Bob Quinn said he is “excited” to see what Dahl can do moving forward. It is certainly possible the Lions add a veteran option to the mix as well if Warford walks.

With Decker sidelined 4-6 months, it appears Dahl will be manning the blindside come Week 1. Dahl had been primarily competing at right guard before Decker’s injury, but played left tackle his final two years at Washington State. He played just 20 snaps as a rookie. It’s not a good situation for the Lions.

Dahl was a guard who switched to tackle late in his Wazzu career. The interior will be where he tries to make his home in the big leagues. Dahl has small hands and short arms, but noticeable toughness and drive as a blocker.

Dahl (6'4/304) took over as Wazzu’s starting left guard as a sophomore before transitioning to left tackle as a junior and senior and earning second-team All-American honors in 2015. Concerns include Dahl’s small hands (8 3/4") and short arms (32 3/4), but the latter metric matters less if Dahl kicks inside, as expected. Dahl’s nasty play demeanor, toughness, and drive-blocking ability will all go to good use at guard, where he has NFL starting potential.