The Detroit Lions are heading into their Week 3 showdown against the New York Jets at Ford Field with three starting offensive linemen on the injury list, but get this: all three are expected to play on Sunday! Seriously, after last week, that’s just some next-level news for the Motor City faithful.
Lions OL Is Gearing Up, Despite The Bumps
Let’s talk about that O-line, because it’s massive. Both LG Christian Mahogany (hip) and RT Blake Miller (knee) missed last week’s game, but they’ve improved enough this week to not even need an injury designation. That’s huge! Coach Dan Campbell pretty much confirmed it on Friday, saying, “Yeah, I think both of those guys are going to be OK, barring no setbacks today.” And with RG Tate Ratledge (elbow) also expected to start, the Lions should be able to roll out their preferred starting offensive line, minus center Cade Mays. This is a unit that can protect and open holes, so having them back and ready? That’s what you call a momentum builder. Plus, DT Alim McNeill (personal), EDGE Ahmed Hassanein (illness), and LS Hogan Hatten (wrist) are also clear, which keeps the core strong.
Dealing With The Depth Chart Dips
Of course, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. The Lions *have* ruled out G Ben Bartch (foot) and S Thomas Harper (ankle) for Week 3. Bartch surprisingly popped up on the report mid-week, couldn’t practice, and is a no-go, though Campbell doesn’t think it’s long-term. They already signed center Seth McLaughlin off the practice squad, so they’ll still have eight healthy offensive linemen, which is clutch for roster bonuses. On defense, Harper was seen in a walking boot and couldn’t practice, so he’s out. With Avonte Maddox already on injured reserve, it means Christian Izien is shifting from his nickel role to start at safety opposite Chuck Clark. Roger McCreary will step up at nickel, and the Lions are exploring reserve safety options like practice squad vet Jalen Mills, rookie corner Keith Abney, and newly signed rookie safety Bishop Fitzgerald. It’s an adjustment, but they’ve got options.
Jets Also Battling The Injury Bug
The Jets have their own headaches too, based on their Thursday report. They had a bunch of guys who didn’t practice: RB Kene Nwangwu (back), TE Mason Taylor (thumb), LB Francisco Mauigoa (quad), and SAF Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin). Taylor isn’t expected to play this week. EDGE Joseph Ossai (foot) and WR Adonai Mitchell (finger), a new injury for Mitchell, were both limited. Good news for them, EDGE David Bailey (elbow) was a full participant.
So, Week 3 at Ford Field is looking like a serious test for both sides, but man, getting those three starting linemen back for the Lions? That’s a massive confidence boost for Sunday. Let’s see what they cook up!
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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