The Detroit Lions may be getting some reinforcements on the offensive line sooner than expected. Second-year guard Christian Mahogany, who’s been sidelined since breaking his leg in Week 9 against the Vikings, is trending in the right direction. Head coach Dan Campbell hinted on Monday that Mahogany could return to practice this week - a promising sign for a player the team has missed in the trenches.
“We’ll probably try to get him some work this week,” Campbell said. “I don’t expect a lot right now, but he’s starting to feel good enough to work him into practice.”
That’s a cautious but optimistic update. Mahogany remains on injured reserve for now, but if the Lions open his 21-day evaluation window when they return to practice on Wednesday, the countdown to a potential return begins. Once that window opens, Detroit has three weeks to decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster or keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.
Even with that timeline in play, it doesn’t sound like Mahogany will be suiting up for this week’s matchup against the Rams. The Lions will likely have to lean on their depth at left guard once again - and that depth has been tested.
Veteran Kayode Awosika, the presumed next man up, missed last week’s game with a foot injury. That opened the door for Trystan Colon and rookie Miles Frazier, who split time at left guard in Thursday’s matchup against the Cowboys. Campbell had positive things to say about both, but when asked if Frazier had done enough to earn another start, the head coach was measured in his response.
“That’s hard to say. I can’t say that,” Campbell said.
“But every rep he gets is going to help him. Those were real reps against real dudes - the most significant ones he’s had so far.”
It’s clear Campbell sees value in Frazier getting live-game experience, especially against a physical Dallas front. But he also acknowledged the rookie is still early in his development. According to Campbell, Frazier may have only logged around 100 reps in practice so far - not a huge sample size when you’re trying to prepare a young lineman for the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.
“Do I want to play him? I would love to play him some more,” Campbell added.
So where does that leave the Lions heading into Sunday? There’s still no definitive answer at left guard.
Awosika’s health will be a key storyline to watch. If he’s ready, he could reclaim the job.
If not, Detroit may continue rotating Frazier and Colon. And while Mahogany is making progress, it sounds like his return is more of a “when,” not “right now.”
The Lions have done a solid job weathering injuries across the offensive line this season, but this week will test their depth again. Whether it’s a veteran stepping back in, a rookie taking another step forward, or a surprise return from Mahogany, the left guard spot remains one of the key positions to watch as Detroit preps for a tough Rams front.