By Moses Joshua 
Detroit faces major depth concerns after multiple linemen go down in Week 9 loss to Minnesota
The Detroit Lions didn’t just lose their Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on the scoreboard — they also suffered a series of painful blows to their offensive front. The 27-24 defeat at Ford Field exposed more than just schematic issues; it left Detroit’s offensive line battered, with four starters dealing with injuries and depth now becoming a serious concern for Dan Campbell’s squad.
Christian Mahogany Faces a Long Road to Recovery
Second-year guard Christian Mahogany suffered the most severe injury of the group. Midway through the game, his leg whipped awkwardly after contact with a Vikings defender, leaving him unable to put any weight on his left side. He was carted off the field and later spotted on crutches.
After the game, Dan Campbell confirmed the grim outlook for the young lineman.
«“Mahogany’s going to be out for a while, a long time, probably,” Campbell said.»
However, the Lions’ head coach did offer a glimmer of hope when asked if Mahogany’s injury might end his season.
«“Maybe not that long,” Campbell added. “Maybe not that long, but it’ll be—we’re talking about late December, probably.”»
With Mahogany sidelined, Kayode Awosika stepped in at left guard for the remainder of the game — and may be asked to handle that role for the foreseeable future.
Lingering Questions Around Ratledge, Decker, and Sewell
Rookie guard Tate Ratledge also left the game in the second half with a shoulder injury. He later returned to finish, but Campbell made it clear that the team will monitor him closely this week.
«“Ratledge came back in, but we’ll see,” Campbell noted.»
Meanwhile, veteran left tackle Taylor Decker briefly exited with a knee issue after getting rolled up on in a pile. He returned to action but acknowledged the chaos that contributed to the injuries up front.
«“It seemed like a lot of that was on passing situations,” Decker explained. “Just a lot of bodies and a lot of twists and stunts flying around the line. A lot of bodies around feet and stuff like that.”»
Right tackle Penei Sewell managed to play through the entire contest but made a brief trip to the locker room after being thrown to the ground and clutching his shoulder. Campbell told reporters that the team will evaluate both tackles as the week progresses.
«“We’ll see where Decker is at. Sewell—how they feel,” he said.»
With four linemen now banged up, Detroit could be forced to rely heavily on depth options like Dan Skipper, Tristan Colon, Awosika, and Michael Niese, who is currently on the practice squad.
“We’ve got some guys in the hopper,” Campbell said. “Skip played today for us. We’ve got Colon, Yode (Awosika). We’ve got (Michael) Niese on vet squad. We’ll do what we have to do. If they fill in, those guys will have to be ready to go.”
Minor Concern for Terrion Arnold
While the focus was largely on the offensive line, rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold also gave fans a brief scare when he exited with a back injury. He was listed as questionable to return but later rejoined the game and appeared to finish without further issue. Arnold spoke to reporters afterward, a positive sign for his availability moving forward.
Looking Ahead
Injuries to the offensive line couldn’t come at a worse time for the Lions, who are pushing to maintain their NFC North lead. The unit’s health will be closely watched throughout the week as Detroit prepares for its next matchup. If several starters are forced to miss time, Campbell’s depth and adaptability will once again be put to the test.