During the offseason, there was plenty of chatter about the Detroit Lions having one of the best (if not THE best) offensive lines in the National Football League. This was not much of a surprise as it looked like they would have a healthy line consisting of Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, and Penei Sewell. Unfortunately, during the Lions' final preseason game, Vaitai suffered an injury, and he has not played this season. According to Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Vaitai is likely done for the season.
What did Dan Campbell say about Halapoulivaati Vaitai?
Before Friday's practice, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media. Though he said Halapoulivaati Vaitai is “doing well,” he also added that it is unlikely that Big Hal will play again in 2022.
“He’s doing well. I would say that (chances to play this year) would be very slim to none as of right now,” Campbell said. “But the surgery went well, and he’s doing great. It’s just that’s one of those long-term—If you’re asking me right now, I would say it would be hard to get him back.”
Though it is no surprise that Vatai's season is likely over before it started, it is still a bummer that we never got to see the Lions' full offensive line play together in 2022.
What could have been?
