Kevin

Zeitler

He appeared to have injured himself in practice on Thursday, and the veteran guard did not participate in Friday’s session. Left tackle Dan Moore (neck) is also questionable after getting in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. We have higher hopes for Moore than Zeitler at this point, but the Titans could be down two of their better linemen against the 49ers on Sunday.

Not the news Cam Ward needed to see for his third career start. Things could get a whole lot worse for this struggling club before they get better.

Zeitler left Week 2’s game, gave it a go on Thursday with a limited session, and then was downgraded to a DNP on Friday. If he weren’t an offensive lineman, we’d say he’s closer to doubtful than questionable, but lineman tend to play off questionable tags more often. If Zeitler misses Week 3, the Titans turned to Blake Hance in relief of Zeitler in Week 2 and Hance figures to get a shot.

Blake Hance played in his stead. The Titans have now allowed 11 sacks in two games after emphasizing the offensive line this offseason. It was against two playoff teams from last year, but that sack pace has Cam Ward looking like someone to stream defenses against right now.

Zeitler missed just two games last year, despite it being his age-34 season. Zeitler remains a high-end run blocker and pass protector, having earned a 71.8 PFF pass-blocking grade and an 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade with the Lions. While he is not a long-term fix, he provides stability to a subpar unit.

Montgomery was trending toward a return after being a full participant in practice all week. The thunder to Jahmyr Gibbs’ lightning will officially be good to go for Saturday’s game, with a right to host the NFC Championship Game on the line. Montgomery averaged 15.8 touches per game during the regular season and should see plenty of work against a Commanders defense that has struggled to slow opposing ground games. In addition to Montgomery, the Lions also listed CB Ennis Rakestraw as questionable for Saturday’s game while ruling out guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) and DE Pat O’Conner (calf).

Decker is good to go for the Lions’ Divisional Round game against the Commanders this weekend. He reportedly missed Wednesday’s practice celebrating the birth of his second child. Lions RG Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) is the other offensive lineman who has missed practice this week. After being a DNP on Thursday, Lions coach Dan Campbell said Christian Mahogany would start in Zeitler’s place if Zeitler is unable to go on Saturday against the Commanders.

Zeitler is a capable pass protector and an exceptionally talented run-blocker. His absence in a playoff game against the Commanders could be an issue. Zeitler’s Thursday practice participation will prove pivotal.

Zeitler missed Week 7 with the groin but should be good to go after getting in a full practice on Wednesday. The Lions have a relatively clean injury report heading into their date with the Titans.

Zeitler went from a limited practice on Thursday to a DNP on Friday before being listed as questionable. The downgrade foreshadowed his eventual absence. Cornerback Carlton Davis is active as expected.