Talk about a gut punch for the Detroit Lions right out of the gate! Three of their five starting offensive linemen landed on the estimated injury report Monday, September 14, as they gear up for a brutal short-week matchup against the Buffalo Bills. This isn’t just a minor ding, folks, it’s a full-blown crisis hitting them before Week 2 even kicks off.
O-Line Takes a Major Hit With Key Starters Down
The biggest names on the report include left guard Christian Mahogany and right tackle Blake Miller, both listed as non-participants in practice. Mahogany is battling a hip injury, while Miller, the team’s first-round pick, is dealing with a knee issue. Remember Mahogany left the Lions’ season-opening win over the New Orleans Saints on just the second offensive series. Coach Dan Campbell sounded optimistic after the game, saying initial tests were positive, but he also warned Mahogany wasn’t “out of the woods” from an injury standpoint. That uncertainty this early in the season is a major concern.
As for Miller, his absence is particularly jarring. This rookie played *all 77 offensive snaps* in his NFL debut, showing he was ready to step up immediately, and now he’s on the sidelines. To have your first-round investment facing a potential knee injury after one game? That’s not what you want to see. And if those two weren’t enough, center Juice Scruggs, who’s already filling in for the injured Cade Mays, was listed as a limited participant with a knee injury. That means the Lions are potentially dipping three deep into their depth chart at center before the second game is even played. The only real bright spot on the report was safety Christian Izien, who was a full participant with a groin injury after being held out of the Saints game for precautionary reasons.
Who Steps Up With Bills Looming on a Short Week?
With Mahogany and Miller potentially sidelined, the Lions’ offensive line continuity is getting absolutely wrecked. Ben Bartch, who replaced Mahogany at left guard against the Saints, is now in line to start for the Lions on Thursday. If Blake Miller can’t go, Larry Borom would step in at right tackle. Having to shuffle your starting lineup, especially with multiple players, on a short week against a tough team like the Bills is a massive challenge.
The Lions have to figure out how to protect their quarterback and establish any kind of run game with a patchwork unit. This kind of early season adversity truly tests a team’s depth and coaching staff. Can these backups hold their own? We’ll find out Thursday, September 17, when the Lions take on the Buffalo Bills. Every snap will be under a microscope.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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