Skipper’s return to full action provides veteran steadiness in the interior/OT spots, anchoring runs and giving the unit a trusted blocker as the newer pieces settle in.

Skipper’s ankle injury earlier in preseason left a vacancy at backup offensive tackle, which the Lions addressed with signings. His potential return would influence the guard-tackle mix and may shift the balance of depth across the line.

Skipper’s presence in the rotation underscores Detroit’s need for depth across the line. Manu’s work depth across 48 reps shows he’s learning to handle ad hoc reps in a high-velocity environment, with Skipper serving as a reliable early-season guard/backup anchor in practice and games.

Dan Skipper is poised to step into a larger role on the Detroit Lions following Frank Ragnow's retirement, indicating a pivotal moment in his career as he advocates for Detroit amidst criticism.

Dan Skipper has become a fan favorite for the Lions and is expected to remain with the team due to his contributions and popularity.