Lions promote Cochran, Flowers as Decker inactive, Manu starts at LT

The Detroit Lions elevated offensive tackle Devin Cochran and cornerback Tre Flowers from their practice squad and ruled starting left tackle Taylor Decker out Sunday, a series of roster moves that preceded Detroit’s 37-24 Week 5 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. With Decker held out to rest a surgically repaired shoulder, second-year tackle Giovanni Manu made his first regular-season start and the Lions leaned on recent practice-squad additions to shore up depth on both lines.

Coach Dan Campbell said the decision to make Decker inactive reflected concerns that playing through the injury was producing diminishing returns. "We just felt like we needed to give this guy a little time," Campbell said, adding that the move was aimed at ensuring Decker’s availability later in the season. Decker had practiced sparingly during the month, appearing in games despite limited practice reps. The team did not provide a timetable for his return.

Cochran, a 6-foot-7, 330-pound tackle who spent training camp with Cincinnati, was promoted as insurance on the offensive line. The Lions also have veteran Dan Skipper on the roster as an option. Flowers, a 30-year-old cornerback who...