The Detroit Lions have begun the 21-day evaluation clock for offensive tackle Giovanni Manu. The second-year offensive tackle has been on injured reserve since Week 5 with a knee injury, but it appears he’s healthy enough to return to practice. He was officially listed as limited in practice on Wednesday ahead of the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Note: Manu’s return to practice was not on Wednesday’s transaction wire, likely because the Lions only had a walkthrough practice.
Manu, the team’s 2024 third-round pick, was considered a developmental project given he played his college days in Canada for the University of British Columbia. But with an impressive athletic profile—6-foot-7, 350 yards with impressive strength and speed—there tools are there to be, at least, a depth offensive tackle.
But his development has hit a few snags early in his career. His rookie season was spent entirely on the sidelines, making zero appearances in 2024. Hoping to continue his development this year, he did make four game appearances—including one start at left tackle—before the knee injury cost him the past nine games.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said starting his injury clock is less about getting him available for games this year. It’s more about gaining the experience he needs to continue that development and hit the ground running in 2026.
“He needs reps, practice reps. Get out there against our defense, against (Marcus) Davenport, against Hutch (Aidan Hutchinson) in real-time practice. It’s not a ton of them. It’s not like training camp, but gosh, he just needs reps, man. He cannot get enough reps.
“If we’re able to use him, or there’s something there this year, that’s a bonus. It’s really about getting him—will this set him up better for next year, training camp going into that next year. That’s really it.”
While not part of the 53-man roster yet, Manu likely sits behind Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, and Dan Skipper on the depth chart. Rookie Miles Frazier is also capable of playing tackle in a pinch, and Detroit also has Devin Cochran on their practice squad.
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