Penei

Sewell

According to Over the Cap, the Lions created $35.68 million in cap space. Detroit is now second in the NFL in cap space with around $38 million, which can either be used this year or carry over to 2027. While a big in-season move could come closer to the trade deadline, Lions GM Brad Holmes recently reiterated the organization’s interest in giving contract extensions, which would begin in 2027, to TE Sam LaPorta and S Brian Branch.

Sewell logged more than 500 offensive snaps at left tackle and right tackle in his 2021 rookie season, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team along the way. The Lions then put him at the right tackle spot in 2022 and he has remained there over the past four years, earning four Pro Bowl nods and three first-team All-Pro spots. His quick transition to the left side is not surprising.

Rumors around Sewell possibly moving to left tackle kicked up after it was rumored that Taylor Decker was considering retirement. Decker has since been released, and with the team’s decision to move on from him comes the likelihood that Sewell, a three-time First-team All-Pro, will move to the left side of the line this upcoming season. Sewell played left tackle at Oregon before being drafted by the Lions, but has spent his entire career at right tackle with Decker occupying the LT slot. While the change isn’t set in stone, it sounds like Campbell expects it to come by the time camp rolls around, if not sooner.

Decker spoke with reporters post-game, breaking the news that he may have played his final down in the NFL. The 31-year-old left tackle expressed a desire to focus on fatherhood after an injury-impacted 10th professional season. Decker played through a shoulder injury for much of the year and is physically unable to play catch with his young son at this time. Decker signed a three-year, $60 million extension in 2024, keeping him under contract through 2027. Were Decker to retire, Lions RT Penei Sewell, 25, would likely move over to the left side of the line. Decker earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024. Sewell is a four-time defending Pro Bowl player and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and 2024.

The Lions are dealing with numerous illnesses as they prepare to cap off a disappointing 2025 regular season against the divisional rival Bears. Add that to the absence of one of the best young tackles in the league and the Lions could struggle with pressure in the backfield against an aggressive Chicago defensive front.

He’s out, and the Lions made Giovanni Manu (knee), Christian Mahogany (illness), Kayode Awosika (illness) and Taylor Decker (shoulder/illness rest) questionable as well. Keeping Jared Goff upright could be a challenge for the Lions in Week 18 with that much of their offensive line on the injury report, even if the questionable tags play. Sewell ends his age-25 season with a career-high 95.0 PFF offensive grade in 998 offensive snaps. He will be desperately missed in Week 18.

The Lions’ offensive line continues to work its way through injuries. Sewell has already played through a few of his own, and will likely be on the field this week against the Bears, in what should be a fantasy-friendly game environment. Lions LG Christian Mahogany (illness) was also sidelined, as was his backup, OG Kayode Awosika (illness).

St. Brown was unable to practice this week after injuring his ankle last Thursday against the Packers. While he possesses some re-injury risk, he was moving very well during warmups and should be started against the Cowboys this evening. The Lions declared S Kerby Joseph, WR Kalif Raymond, OG Kayode Awosika, TE Hayden Rucci, DL Mekhi Wingo and DL Tyler Lacy inactive for Week 14 against the Cowboys. Lions RT Penei Sewell (shoulder), LT Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest) and C Graham Glasgow (knee) are active.

Lions LT Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest) and C Graham Glasgow (knee) are also expected to play. No word yet on Lions LG Kayode Awosika (foot). Likely having 3-of-4 injured starters on the field is good news for QB Jared Goff, who must face the Cowboys’ top-tier pass-rush unit this evening. Hopefully, the group can improve its health in the coming weeks.

Lions LT Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest) joins Sewell in the questionable department. Both players are frequently gutting it out on game day, so we do tentatively expect both players to suit up tomorrow night. The Cowboys’ defense has been playing well in recent weeks. Lions LG Kayode Awosika (foot) was added to the injury report on Tuesday and did not practice on Wednesday, which is not a good sign. Lions C Graham Glasgow (knee) was limited all week. The latter two players are also questionable.