Detroit Lions backup offensive lineman Giovanni Manu says he is prepared to step in if he gets the start on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
“I’m totally ready,” Manu told the media on Friday. Manu will step in for Taylor Decker if the longtime Lions left tackle isn’t healthy enough to play.
Manu practiced with the first team all week as Decker sat out and is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury for this weekend. Manu said he’s prepared for when his number might be called.
“I’m totally prepared,” he said.
“I go into every game like I’m prepared to play. My mentality is I’m playing.”
If Manu gets the start, Penei Sewell will be the only lineman playing in the same position for the Lions as last season, as Graham Glasgow is now at center, surrounded by second-year lineman Christian Mahogany and rookie Tate Ratledge. The unit struggled against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 with Decker on the field, so subbing in Manu will add yet another wrinkle for the Lions offense to overcome.
“Hell of a first game to have in Lambeau with a crowd like that.”
“It’s hard to communicate with a loud crowd, but I think we’ll do better this time being at home… I’m not too worried about it. We’ll be alright.”
The Lions selected Manu in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he hasn’t seen much playing time while sitting behind Decker. He logged some special teams snaps in Week 1, but other than that, his only live action has come in the preseason. Manu played in all four preseason games this year, earning an average pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus of 58.2 and a below-average run blocking grade of 44.0.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions OL Giovanni Manu ready to play against Bears if called upon
Reporting by Ryan Love, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
