Lions LT Taylor Decker sidelined by back injury

ALLEN PARK — Here we go again.

Center Frank Ragnow was upgraded to limited practice participant on the Detroit Lions’ projected injury report, but now left tackle

Taylor Decker is banged up, dealing with a back injury that would have kept him off the practice field Tuesday. Detroit was forced to

issue the estimated report because of the Saturday game against the Denver Broncos.

Decker already missed two games this season after playing through a high ankle sprain and bone bruise that he suffered in the season

opener against Kansas City. He’s been having a strong season since returning, although his effort his Chicago was his worst of the year,

allowing four sacks in the loss against the Bears — more than the rest of the season combined. He allowed five pressures overall, a

season high.

If he was playing through a back injury on Sunday, well, that might explain the poor performance from a good player.

It has been another season washed by injury for the Lions’ offensive front. Everyone except right tackle Penei Sewell has missed games

due to injury, and right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai is out for the year because of a back injury. Ragnow also missed the game in

Chicago because of knee, toe and back injuries.

Head coach Dan Campbell said on Monday it was too soon to say whether Ragnow would be able to return on Saturday against

Denver, although his limited (projected) availability on Tuesday is a good sign he’s trending in the right direction.