Thursday 15 June 2017 14:38, UK
The Detroit Lions have been dealt a blow after it emerged left tackle Taylor Decker is expected to miss four to six months with a torn labrum.
The news was first reported by NFL.com's Ian Rapaport.
Decker, the No 16 overall pick in the 2016 draft, sustained the injury a few weeks ago during offseason activities and had surgery to repair it earlier this week.
Lions head coach Jim Caldwell told reporters he is hopeful the injury will not cost Decker the entire 2017 season.
"I don't think so, but like I said, I'm not a physician," Caldwell said. "I would anticipate we'll be able to update you when we get started in fall, see where he is."
Decker enjoyed a stellar rookie season for Detroit in 2016, surrendering just 4.5 of the team's 37 sacks allowed.
The Lions spent big in free agency to solidify the right side of their offensive line, signing tackle Ricky Wagner and guard T.J. Lang.
Caldwell said Wagner will remain at right tackle. Joe Dahl, Corey Robinson and Cornelius Lucas will compete to replace Decker on the left side.
Meanwhile, Lions wide receiver Golden Tate has been making his case on Twitter for a contract extension after New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman received one earlier this week.
Tate was reacting to a graphic from Pro Football Focus which lists him as the NFL's leader in forced missed tackles since 2014 at the wide receiver position, ahead of fifth-placed Edelman.
The former Seahawks second-round pick has been productive since signing for Detroit in free agency in 2014, catching 280 passes for 3,221 yards and 14 touchdowns in three seasons.
The 28-year-old has two seasons left on his five-year, $31m deal and is scheduled to make $6m in 2017 and $7m in 2018.
Unfortunately for Tate, he is likely behind Matthew Stafford in the pecking order for an extension, with the Lions quarterback scheduled to become a free agent after the 2017 season.
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