The Detroit Lions only had one practice squad elevation ahead of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field, which could bode well for the availability of offensive tackle Taylor Decker.
The Lions elevated linebacker Monty Rice, who was signed to the practice squad this week, to fill the role previously held by Anthony Pittman as a special-teams ace.
But the fact that no offensive linemen were elevated is likely a good sign for the availability of Decker, who is questionable with a shoulder injury. Lions coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator John Morton were semi-optimistic about Decker’s chances of playing on Sunday, but Campbell said Friday he couldn’t give “a definitive yes.”
If Decker can’t go, it’ll likely be 2024 draft pick Giovanni Manu who’s tapped to take over at that spot.
First fines
Lions safety Brian Branch received two fines for a play in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss at Green Bay. Branch grabbed the face mask of Packers tight end Tucker Kraft during a run play, leading to the removal of his helmet. After taking Kraft’s helmet off, Branch tossed it to the sideline. He received fines for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness for $11,593 each.
Branch has been fined 12 times since entering the league in 2023 for a total of $118,391.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams was fined $11,593 for taunting in the second quarter. With 2:24 remaining in the first half, Williams caught an 11-yard pass over the middle and then got in the face of Packers safety Xavier McKinney before going back to the huddle.
Excluding his performance-enhancing substances suspension, Williams was fined four times last season for a total of $81,939.
nbianchi@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi