Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell provided mostly optimistic injury updates for the team’s offensive line. On Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, four of the five starters had to leave the field and be attended by medical staff, and while three returned to the game, it wasn’t clear if—when cleared of adrenaline—they’d be good to go moving forward.
Let’s start with the one player who did not make it back on the field, left guard Christian Mahogany. Campbell reiterated that Mahogany will be out for a long time, just as he said after the game, but the good news is he still believes he could return by the end of the season, noting that it was a broken bone in the leg.
“For what the injury is—it’s a broken bone—relative to injuries, that’s a good thing. Thing, I think, will heal up, it’ll be stronger than it was before,” Campbell said, while also confirming the knee is fine.
As for the Lions’ offensive tackles, it’s mostly good news, although their availability this week against the Washington Commanders could be in question. Taylor Decker left the game briefly with a knee injury, while he’s still battling a shoulder ailment. Penei Sewell was never given an injury designation, but left and went to the locker room holding his upper body/shoulder area before returning without missing a snap. Campbell said he doesn’t see either player practicing on Wednesday, but also doesn’t believe the injuries will threaten their availability beyond this upcoming Sunday.
“Nothing sounds long-term, which is good. It’s good news,” Campbell said. “I think it’s more about, are they going to be able to practice this week, and are they going to be able to play this week? But nothing beyond that, I don’t feel like, as of right now.”
Tate Ratledge, who left briefly with a shoulder injury, appears to be fine.
“Yeah, I think Tate will be okay,” Campbell said.
With the trade deadline coming up on Tuesday, and some of the struggles and injuries along the offensive line, some have speculated that Detroit should consider looking for some external help. Campbell said that they just got done grading players from the Vikings game, and his talks with general manager Brad Holmes will begin soon.
“We’ll see where we’re at, but I don’t feel like this is—I can’t say one way or another whether we’re going to make a move. I gotta go talk to Brad, but as of now, I don’t know (of) anything,” Campbell said.
