The Detroit Lions are staring down some brutal news on their offensive line as they head into Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. This Thursday night game is the first ever at Highmark Stadium, and with a short week to prepare, Detroit is already fighting an uphill battle, especially after Monday’s injury report dropped. Their practices are gonna be scaled way back, mostly walkthroughs, so these injury estimates from the coaching staff are telling us a lot.
Key Linemen Are Already Banged Up
First up, starting left guard Christian Mahogany is down after getting injured in Week 1. This guy went down just 11 plays into the opener, tripping awkwardly on a run play and leaving the game early. Coach Dan Campbell told the media that initial tests were negative, which is a relief, but more testing is still on the table. With such a quick turnaround, the Lions might have to roll with Be Bartch at left guard again, and you know that’s not ideal against Buffalo’s front.
Then there’s right tackle Blake Miller, who’s also an estimated no practice with a new knee injury. He didn’t look hurt during the game, so it’s possible his knee flared up afterward, and this could be a proactive move by the team with the short week. We should get more clarity from Campbell’s press conference later today. And to top it off, center Juice Scruggs is also on the estimated limited practice list with a new knee injury. Like Miller, this one was a surprise, so everyone is waiting on Campbell for the full scoop. Losing three linemen early is just brutal for any team trying to establish its identity.
Injured Reserve and Some Much-Needed Good News
Beyond the new guys, the Lions have a few players already stashed away on injured reserve or PUP lists. Running back Isiah Pacheco (MCL/Back), center Cade Mays (Wrist), and offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (Undisclosed) are on NFI, while safeties Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerny Joseph (Knee) are on PUP. All five of these guys have to miss at least the first four games of the season, which is a long time to be without key contributors.
But hey, there’s some good news too, because we need it! Defensive back Christian Izien had an estimated full practice on Monday, and that’s a fantastic sign. He told the media last Friday that he felt good, and though he didn’t play in Week 1 against the Saints, Campbell had hinted they were considering it. An estimated full practice means he could totally return to action this week, which would be a huge boost for the secondary. Plus, a bunch of other guys are off the report completely: EDGE Derrick Moore, DL Mekhi Wingo, LB Trevor Nowaske, LB Jimmy Rolder, CB Keith Abney, CB Ennis Rakestraw, and S Thomas Harper.
So, the Lions roll into Highmark Stadium this Thursday night against the Bills. How they handle these offensive line injuries is going to be the biggest question mark. Keep an eye out for Campbell’s presser for more details on those O-line issues, and let’s hope Izien is back on the field making plays!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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