In Week 1, none of the four players the Detroit Lions elected to protect were elevated to the active roster, but Taylor Decker landing on injured reserve likely changed the team’s plans midweek.
Typically, teams will use the protection clause to give them more security at positions of concern, allowing for extra depth at critical spots like quarterback, or to help guard against groups that have seen injuries, like at offensive tackle.
This week, per the NFL transaction report, the Lions have elected to protect the maximum four players, including three of the same players from Week 1:
- Steven Montez, QB
- Will Holden, OT (New this week)
- Bruce Hector, DL
- Jalen Elliott, S
As long as Tim Boyle is on injured reserve, expect Montez to be protected by the Lions, assuring they will have three quarterbacks available to practice and potentially available for the game.