Lions Eye Interior Line Boost as Mahogany Nears Return Against Steelers
It’s been a season of shifting pieces and patchwork solutions for the Detroit Lions’ offensive line - but heading into Week 16, there’s a glimmer of stability on the horizon. The team has officially opened the practice window for rookie tackle Giovanni Manu and welcomed back guard Christian Mahogany to the field. And while Manu’s return timeline remains murky, Mahogany could be back in the lineup as early as this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers - a much-needed boost for a unit that’s been searching for answers inside.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just another body returning to the rotation. Mahogany represents a real upgrade at left guard, a position that’s been a revolving door since his injury. The Lions have struggled to find consistency in the interior, and Mahogany’s presence could help settle things down just in time for a critical late-season push.
Mahogany’s Return Could Steady a Shaky Interior
Before going down with a leg injury, Mahogany had shown real promise. He posted a solid 73.4 run-blocking grade, per PFF, and had only surrendered two sacks - respectable numbers for a rookie still building chemistry with a reshuffled line.
That chemistry, or lack thereof, has been one of the Lions’ biggest hurdles this season. With veteran anchors like Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell holding it down at tackle, the interior trio has been the weak link - and opposing defenses know it.
The lack of push up front has made life difficult for Jared Goff, who’s been forced to operate under pressure far too often. It’s also put more pressure on Jahmyr Gibbs to create something out of nothing in the run game.
Gibbs has the explosiveness to make defenders miss, but even the most dynamic backs need at least a crease. Without Mahogany, those creases have been few and far between.
Steelers’ Front Presents a Timely Test
If Mahogany is cleared to play, he won’t be eased in - he’ll be thrown into the fire against a Steelers front that, while banged up, still brings plenty of heat. T.J.
Watt (lung) and rookie Derrick Harmon (knee) both missed Week 15 against Miami, and their status remains uncertain. But even if they’re limited or sidelined, Pittsburgh still boasts veteran disruptor Cam Heyward and a pair of active linebackers in Keeanu Benton and Alex Highsmith.
This isn’t the most fearsome Steelers defense we’ve seen, but they’re still more than capable of wrecking a game plan - especially against a line that’s struggled to protect its quarterback and establish the run. That makes Mahogany’s potential return all the more important. If he can hold his own and help stabilize the interior, it could open up the offense in a way we haven’t seen in weeks.
Manu’s Timeline Still Unclear
As for Giovanni Manu, the Lions are playing the long game. The rookie tackle has officially had his practice window opened, but there’s no expectation he’ll be ready for the final stretch of the regular season or the playoffs.
That’s a blow in terms of depth, but not a surprise. The focus now shifts squarely to Mahogany and what he can provide down the stretch.
A Crucial Piece at a Crucial Time
Detroit isn’t lacking for offensive weapons. Between Goff, Gibbs, Amon-Ra St.
Brown, and Sam LaPorta, the Lions have the firepower to compete with anyone. But none of that matters if the offensive line can’t hold up.
Mahogany may not be a cure-all, but his return could be the first step toward rebalancing an offense that’s been tilting too far toward survival mode.
The Lions don’t just need a body on the interior - they need someone who can anchor the run game, communicate with the center, and keep Goff upright long enough to make the reads that have defined his resurgence in Detroit. Mahogany has the tools to be that guy. Now it’s about proving he’s ready - and doing it against a Steelers team that’s still fighting for pride.
With three games left and playoff positioning on the line, every snap matters. And for the Lions, getting Mahogany back might be just in time.