Taylor Decker is off the injured reserve, but it remains to be seen when he might play this year.
The Detroit Lions activated Decker and Kevin Strong, the team announced Tuesday. Tommy Kraemer, a backup offensive guard, was waived as well.
As the Freep’s Dave Birkett reported last week, the Lions had to take Decker off the reserve by Wednesday if they want him to play again this season. But Dan Campbell indicated Friday that Decker, the team’s starting left tackle, is still at least a week — if not, a few weeks — from being ready to play.
Decker hurt the index finger on his left hand four days before the Lions’ season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers and has not played this season.
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He returned to practice Oct. 13, reaggravated the injury the next day and has not practiced since.
NFL teams have 21 days to activate players from injured reserve to their 53-man roster once they begin practicing. If they do not do so, that player is done for the season.
Decker signed a four-year contract extension worth $60 million in September 2020.
Strong, a defensive end, had been on the IR for more than a month after suffering a brain injury in the season opener.
The Lions (0-8) have a bye this week then play the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road Nov. 14.
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Follow the Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for more news. Tyler Davis can be contacted at tjdavis@freepress.com or on Twitter @TDavisFreep.