Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images The latest on Taylor Decker’s injury, and why he felt guilty about missing the Detroit Lions’ latest game. There doesn’t seem much in life that makes Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker feel more—in his words—”shitty” than missing an opportunity to play football with his teammates. He may be in year nine of his career, but it’s clear he still highly values every chance he gets to take the field. “Every game is important to me,” Decker said. “We only get to play 17, and, you know, all things are pointing to us being in the playoffs, of course. I have had plenty of seasons where we don’t get to ( the playoffs), so every game is important to me. “… The biggest thing when you’re used to being out there with your teammates and guys you’ve played a lot of football with, when you’re not out there, it’s just a shitty feeling. It doesn’t feel good. You want to be out there whether it’s Week 10 and you’re mathematically eliminated or it’s Week 10 and you’re rolling. That doesn’t change my desire to be out there and play.” So, naturally, last week was tough Decker. He suffered an injury during last Thursday’s practice which he described as a rotator cuff strain. It was an injury to the same shoulder that required labrum surgery in 2017 and was right next to where he had a pectoral strain earlier this season. So, out of caution, the Lions held him out for their Sunday night tilt with the Houston Texans. He had no choice but to watch from his bed at home as the Lions struggled for three quarters against the Texans before finally pulling through at the end. That’s not something Decker takes lightly. “I felt personally responsible for the first half of that game, and I’m not saying that jokingly,” Decker said. “I felt really bad, even though I know it was in my best interest and the team’s best interest to sit that one out. (But) just when you’re not out there with your guys, especially when it’s guys that you’ve played with as much as I’ve played with some of these guys on offense, it’s like a guilty feeling. It really is.” Without Decker, the Lions offensive line struggled. The Texans didn’t officially record a sack, but a few quarterback pressures resulted in Jared Goff turnovers, and Detroit managed just seven points through the first two quarters. Dan Skipper, Decker’s replacement at left tackle, made his first career start at the tackle position, and according to PFF, he was responsible for three of the Texans’ 11 pressures. That said, Decker was impressed with Skipper’s effort. “Skip did a hell of a job,” Decker said. “I texted him right after. He battled his ass off. I know they said they were trying to keep him alive out there; he had like three IVs or something. I think I saw before the game he only has had a handful of snaps at tackle, so incredible by him to go out there and be able to perform.” This week, it’s unclear if Decker will return to the lineup. Coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism on Wednesday afternoon, and Decker followed that up by saying the plan, as of now, is to play vs. the Jaguars. But Decker knows that if it’s up to him every week, he’s going to play, even to his own detriment. That’s why he’s instructed Lions medical staff to intervene, if necessary. “‘If I’m being stupid, I need you to protect me from myself,’” Decker said he has told team doctors. “That’s their job and that’s what they do.”

Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Detroit Lions released their Week 11 initial injury report and while TE Sam LaPorta sat out Wednesday, LT Taylor Decker returned to practice. The Detroit Lions (8-1) are hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8) in Week 11 and both teams have a couple of key players injured that necessitate monitoring. Just like last week, the Lions are starting the week slow and running a walkthrough to begin the practice portion of the week. Unfortunately, these types of practices are not open to the media, and therefore, today’s injury report will be based on how the coaches estimate players would have participated, had there been a full practice. Let’s take a look at Wednesday’s estimated injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note that any changes from last week’s report will be bolded. Injured reserve DT Brodric Martin (knee) — injured reserve, 21-day injury evaluation clock started DL John Cominsky (MCL) — injured reserve, could return in the Playoffs LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) — injured reserve, eligible to return in Week 14 CB Emmanuel Moseley (pec) — injured reserve, 21-day evaluation clock started S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) — injured reserve, 21-day evaluation clock started Reeves-Maybin was injured in Week 9 against the Packers, briefly exited the game but was able to return. When practice began in Week 10, he was absent all week and eventually placed on injured reserve. After missing the game against the Texans, he’ll be out a minimum of three more weeks and is eligible to return in Week 14, ironically when the Lions take on the Packers. While Derrick Barnes suffered what was considered a season-ending injury (MCL and PCL tears, while his ACL remains intact, per Free Press’ Dave Birkett), he was in the locker room in Allen Park on Wednesday, noted that he is rehabbing with Aidan Hutchinson (per the Athletic’s Colton Pouncy), and said he’s had thoughts of a possible return—through he recognized those chances are slim: Derrick Barnes made an appearance in the locker room today. Said he got on the exercise bike today. In the very early stages of rehab. When asked if he was ahead of schedule he said, “I will be.” — Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) November 13, 2024 No practice TE Sam LaPorta (shoulder) — injured in Week 10 LaPorta was injured in the third quarter of last Sunday night’s game, exited the field for examination, and while he tried to return, he was unable to get back on the field. He’ll start the week by not participating—which is not unusual for players injured in the most recent game—and the Lions will take it slow in determining his availability. “It’ll be day-to-day,” coach Dan Campbell said on Monday. “But we don’t feel like this is something like, ‘Oh, man, this is going to be a long, nagging injury.’ I think we’ll get through it. I’m hopeful this week, but I can’t say that. He’s questionable.” The Jaguars are 32nd in DVOA when covering tight ends, which could be a big opportunity for the Lions’ tight ends, most notably, Brock Wright if LaPorta is unable to play on Sunday. Limited practice LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) — upgraded LB Malcolm Rodriguez (ankle) — upgraded Decker was injured in practice last Thursday, and like most midweek injuries, he could not be cleared in time to play on Sunday. “It happened in practice, yeah. Rotator cuff strain, and then I’ve had shoulder surgery on this shoulder before with the labrum,” Decker told the media in the locker room on Wednesday. “Just irritated the labrum a little bit, and the week prior I had a pec strain on the same side. I know the play that happened that caused it, but I don’t know if it was maybe a compensation thing or whatnot. Hopefully, it’s not too long term.” Decker returned for Wednesday’s walkthrough practice and is trending in the right direction to play on Sunday. “As of right now, I do feel better about having Decker this week,” Campbell said on Wednesday. “he was out there at walkthrough, going through (practice). I feel like he is questionable, but I’m starting to feel like—I think he’s going to be able to make it (into the game). Tomorrow will tell a lot, certainly, that’ll be a full-speed practice for us.” In the locker room following Wednesday’s walkthrough, Decker echoed Campbell’s comments, noting that his plan is to return to game action this week. Taylor Decker hates not playing. Said he felt personally responsible for the first half vs. the Texans. Says his plan, as of today, is to play vs. the Jaguars. — Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) November 13, 2024 After being injured in Week 8, Rodriguez is returning to practice this week with the hopes of being cleared to play on Sunday. For each of the last two games, practice squader Abraham Beauplan was signed to the 53-man roster to give the linebacker room some depth, but he was released on Monday—and re-signed to the practice squad—which could be a good sign for Rodriguez’s health. Full practice EDGE Za’Darius Smith (personal) DT Brodric Martin (knee) — Days remaining in injury evaluation window: 6 CB Emmanuel Moseley (pec) — Days remaining in injury evaluation window: 13 S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) — Days remaining in injury evaluation window: 13 Za’Darius Smith is practicing in full and is expected to make his Lions debut this Sunday. Martin, Moseley, and Melifonwu continue to work through the evaluation process, and all have time remaining in their window so as to not rush a decision on their return until next week. That being said, if any are ready for return, the Lions do have an open spot on the roster after waiving Beauplan. “(Moseley) and Iffy (Melifonwu) are in the same boat. We just take it as it comes and if they’re ready, they’re ready, and if not, then they’re not,” Campbell said at his press conference. No longer listed on

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Philadelphia’s No. 3 tight end was claimed off waivers. Jack Stoll, who was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday to open a roster spot for the team to activate Jordan Mailata from injured reserve, was officially claimed by the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday. The Dolphins had the No. 10 spot in the waiver wire claiming order, which mirrors the current 2025 NFL Draft order. There was thought that Stoll might return to Philly on the Eagles’ practice squad if he passed through waivers unclaimed. Alas, that won’t be the case. The Eagles are moving forward with just two tight ends on their active roster: Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. They also have two tight ends on their practice squad: E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah. Jenkins is out of temporarily elevations while Uzomah still has three remaining. Waiving Stoll hardly felt like a no-brainer; he did a nice job as TE2 when Goedert missed three games. And while Calcaterra offers more juice as a pass-catcher, it’s Stoll who serves as the superior blocker. The Eagles could’ve considered some other moves to open a roster spot for Mailata. Do they really need to keep Eli Ricks around as a seventh cornerback who doesn’t really help on special teams when he’s occasionally active? Do they need to have 11 offensive linemen on their active roster like they currently do? Ultimately, what’s done is done. Stoll is starting a new chapter to his NFL career in Miami.

Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images Are you going to gamble on the game? Steve Maltepes, known as “The Philly Godfather,” will impart his gambling wisdom on the Eagles and where the smart money is going on various pro football games each weekend this season. Maltepes is one of the nation’s hottest sports betting experts who appears weekly on national radio and has his own website, www.thephillygodfather.com [thephillygodfather.com]. Washington Commanders (7-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-2), 8:15 p.m. Thursday The Line: Eagles minus-3.5/Total: 48.5 What is the line telling you: The market opened with the Eagles originally as a 3.5-point home favorites, with the combined total set at 50. Since then, the side has fluctuated from Philly minus-3, back up to minus-3.5, where it currently stands. The total has seen a down tick in the market to 48.5. There is some sharp money on under-50. When we compare the betting slips with my friends offshore and in Las Vegas, as of right now, it is basically a 50-50 split on all tickets placed and money wagered. The public money is evenly divided. When handicapped this matchup, I believe the Commanders have the edge in coaching, with Dan Quinn over the Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, and at the quarterback position. Even though Jayden Daniels is a rookie, he has played just as well, if not better than Jalen Hurts this season. I do give the Eagles the edge in overall talent on the field. On offense, the edge goes to Washington, which is No. 4 overall in the yards-per-play metric, compared to the Eagles, who are No. 10. On the defensive side, the Eagles have a much bigger edge. They are ranked No. 2 overall in opponent-yards-per-play, while the Commanders are ranked No. 21 in the NFL. When we compare common opponents, surprisingly, the Eagles and Commanders lost by 17 points to the Buccaneers, while the Eagles struggled against the Browns at home, and Washington beat Cleveland handily by three touchdowns. Philly crushed the New York Giants, while Washington squeezed out two victories over the G-Men by a combined eight points. Bottom line: I think the Eagles are a slightly better overall team than Washington and will eventually win the NFC East. But this is a market, and the current price with a divisional game on a short week, with not much travel involved, I like the Commanders here plus-3.5 points. The Eagles have a nice five-game winning streak heading into Thursday night, but if you look at the opponents that they have played in that time span, the Browns, Jags, Cowboys, Bengals and Giants, those teams have a combined record of 13-35 record on the season. The Commanders plus-3.5 is the bet. Prop bets for the game A.J. Brown anytime touchdown, plus-105 Terry McLaurin anytime touchdown, plus-105 Jalen Hurts over 223.5 passing yards (Betting lines are subject to change.)

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images Week 11 game status updates. The Philadelphia Eagles issued their third and final official injury report on Wednesday in advance of their Week 11 home game against the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. The big news is that the Eagles officially activated Jordan Mailata from injured reserve. The Eagles had an open roster spot after waiving Jack Stoll on Tuesday. Mailata will start at left tackle after missing the Eagles’ last four games due to a hamstring injury. Fred Johnson did an admirable job filling in but Mailata is clearly a superior talent. The Eagles won’t have to use additional resources to help Mailata like they did at times with Johnson. More good news: everyone on the active roster is listed without a game status for Thursday. The roster is healthy. DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Darius Slay, Nakobe Dean, and Bryce Huff will all play despite appearing on the injury report this week. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES INJURY REPORT (WEDNESDAY) N/A … RESERVE/INJURED DB James Bradberry IVOT Le’Raven ClarkWR Britain CoveyDT Byron Young Young is eligible to be activated after Week 11. Covey is eligible to be activated but he still might be recovering from his shoulder injury. Bradberry is eligible to have his practice window opened if/when the Eagles choose to do so … but the guess here is they won’t do that unless they suffer a lot of defensive back injuries. Clark is out for the season since he was placed on IR back in May. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS INJURY REPORT (WEDNESDAY) The Commanders ruled three players out: starting cornerback Marshon Lattimore, kicker Austin Seibert, and special teams ace Nick Bellore. Lattimore hasn’t been able to play since the Commanders acquired him before the NFL trade deadline. The Eagles must take advantage of Washington’s cornerbacks. Seibert’s absence means the Commanders will temporarily elevate Zane Gonzalez from the practice squad again. Bellore leads the Commanders in special teams tackles, so, that’s a sneaky loss for them. We’ll see if the Eagles’ kick/punt return units can capitalize. The Commanders ruled three players questionable: top three offensive tackles Cornelius Lucas, Brandon Coleman, and Andrew Wylie. All three players were listed as limited in practice this week. We’ll see who’s playing or not when inactives are announced at 6:45 PM Eastern on Thursday evening. Starting center Tyler Biadasz and lead running back Brian Robinson Jr. are notably listed without game statuses. They’ll play on Thusday night. OUT LB Nick Bellore (knee)CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring)K Austin Seibert (right hip) QUESTIONABLE OT Brandon Coleman (shoulder)OT Cornelius Lucas (ankle)OT Andrew Wylie (shoulder) … RESERVE/INJURED DT Jonathan AllenWR Jamison CrowderDE Javontae Jean-BaptisteDT Norell PollardTE Colson Yankoff RESERVE/SUSPENDED BY COMMISSIONER CB Kevon Seymour

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images Philadelphia’s defense is facing a major test. He has not supposed to be this good this fast. Jayden Daniels is probably trending even better than what Washington Commanders’ management thought through his first 10 games. Daniels is a major reason why Washington is an NFC East contender. The rest of the country will find out who Daniels is—and where the Eagles are, for that matter—Thursday night on national TV from Lincoln Financial Field. Daniels’ play is a large reason why the Commanders are 7-3. Through 10 games, he has completed 180 of 262 for 68.7-percent and is 12th in the NFL with 2,147 yards passing. He is averaging 214.7 yards passing a game and has not thrown an interception over his last 151 passes. He’s shown poise, leadership, and an advanced ability to see the field beyond his years. “He’s done a great job for them,” said Eagles’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio about Daniels. “I mean, kudos to him for what he’s been able to achieve. Kudos to the coaches there that are coaching him. Because that’s not an easy offense to run. They do a lot of different things. And, you know, he’s only thrown two interceptions, which is unreal, really. He’s a really good player, highly talented. I think they’re running an offense that he’s very comfortable in. And he’s got a lot of good players around him. And I think it’s an accumulation of all that.” Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni has been really impressed. “He’s come out on fire,” Sirianni said about Daniels. “He’s got his team playing really well. Hats off to their coaches. You know, I just have a lot of respect for that coaching staff and the players on that team. He’s a really good player who started off on fire, so we’ll have a challenge here this week. Can’t say enough good things about him. You know, how he’s going to the right place with the football, being accurate, the things he can do when things do break down. I have got a lot of respect for him and we’ll have our hands full.” What the Eagles will need to do is show Daniels varied looks. In Pittsburgh’s 28-27 win over the Commanders on Sunday, Daniels was held to a season-low 5 yards rushing. The Steelers sometimes showed blitz, sometimes they backed out, leaving Daniels guessing. “Yeah, they rushed a lot of guys,” Fangio said. “When I say a lot, they rushed five a good bit, or four. Pittsburgh is pretty good. You’ve got [T.J.] Watt and [Alex] Highsmith on the outside. They’re good guys. [Cameron] Heyward is still on the inside. They’re a good defense.” Washington runs a lot of zone read, which the Eagles have not seen much of this season. “Yeah, we’ve got to be assignment sound, make sure we always have a guy available to play that quarterback if he pulls it,” Fangio said. “[Daniels] will pull it sometimes with blockers. He’ll pull it sometimes with just himself there if you overplay the run. You’ve got to be assignment sound.”