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Rashawn Slater Out vs. Texans, Opener Status Uncertain

8/12/2026

Summary

Slater Out

Rashawn Slater missed his fourth practice Tuesday due to a flare-up in his repaired left knee.
Coach Jim Harbaugh called it a minor muscle injury unrelated to the repaired patellar tendon and said Slater will sit Thursday’s game vs. the Houston Texans.
Harbaugh warned a prolonged absence could jeopardize Slater’s availability for the September 13 opener against the Arizona Cardinals, with Trey Pipkins and Branson Taylor getting reps at left tackle.

Summary

Tuipulotu Returns

Tuipulotu, in the final year of his four-year rookie contract, said agents and the organization will handle any extension negotiations.
He admitted feeling “miserable” watching teammates practice while sidelined but expressed relief at being back and ready to contribute.
General manager Joe Hortiz (general manager) overhauled the offensive line in the offseason by adding Kayode Awosika, Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange to better protect quarterback Justin Herbert.

History

Historical Context

Signed on August 5 2011, the NFL CBA ended the lockout that followed the prior agreement’s March 7 2011 expiration and set a $120 million salary cap, a four-year rookie contract with a fifth-year option, and a player revenue share of at least 47%. Those rules now guide Detroit Lions actions, from Rashawn Slater’s practice absence to Tuipulotu’s final-year contract talks, forcing teams to balance injury risk with roster stability.

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Slater Out

Rashawn Slater missed his fourth practice Tuesday due to a flare-up in his repaired left knee.
Coach Jim Harbaugh called it a minor muscle injury unrelated to the repaired patellar tendon and said Slater will sit Thursday’s game vs. the Houston Texans.
Harbaugh warned a prolonged absence could jeopardize Slater’s availability for the September 13 opener against the Arizona Cardinals, with Trey Pipkins and Branson Taylor getting reps at left tackle.

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