By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s offensive line gets a crucial boost ahead of Week 10 — but lingering defensive injuries keep Dan Campbell’s optimism in check.
Offensive Line Revival Brings Renewed Hope
After weeks of uncertainty in the trenches, the Detroit Lions finally received some much-needed good news. Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, and Dan Skipper all returned to practice on Thursday, signaling a major boost for a unit that has battled injuries and inconsistency in recent weeks.
All three linemen had missed Wednesday’s session — Decker with a shoulder issue, Sewell with a sore shoulder sustained against the Minnesota Vikings, and Skipper due to a back injury. Seeing them back on the field before Friday’s final walkthrough gives Detroit renewed confidence heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Head coach Dan Campbell, who earlier in the week admitted he wasn’t sure whether either of his top tackles would suit up, can finally exhale. “So, we’ll start as we kind of ended that game the other day, and then maybe we start moving some pieces around,” Campbell said. “Doesn’t mean that I will do it, but I mean I’d like to do it today, at least a play or two and see what that looks like, see where we’re at.”
With both Decker and Sewell trending upward, Detroit looks far more stable up front — a crucial development for an offense that has struggled to protect Jared Goff and establish rhythm in recent games.
Adjustments After Mahogany’s Setback
While the return of Decker and Sewell offers stability on the edges, the Lions are still adapting to life without rookie left guard Christian Mahogany. The promising lineman was placed on injured reserve this week after suffering a broken bone in his left leg against Minnesota — a blow to Detroit’s already thin offensive front.
Campbell and his staff are weighing several combinations to fill the void. Kayode Awosika appears to be the frontrunner to start at left guard, but Trystan Colon and Graham Glasgow are both in the mix. If necessary, Glasgow could slide from center to guard to solidify protection.
The reshuffling comes at a critical juncture for a Lions team still chasing consistency. After losing momentum in recent weeks, Detroit knows a strong showing in the trenches could be the difference between victory and another setback.
Kerby Joseph’s Absence Lingers
On the defensive side, however, concerns remain. All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph continues to miss time with a nagging knee injury that has kept him sidelined for back-to-back games. Along with Joseph, running back Jacob Saylors (back) and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor (knee) were also absent from Thursday’s practice.
Campbell shared an honest update on Joseph’s condition during an interview with 97.1 The Ticket:
“The irritation is not going away as fast as we had hoped. There is improvement. But it’s just not quite there yet. We’re not going to force this thing until we get it as calmed down as we possibly can. Because we don’t want to revisit this every week once he comes back.”
Joseph’s lingering absence has been a major challenge for a Lions secondary already stretched thin this season. While Campbell remains optimistic, his cautious tone suggests the team won’t rush their defensive anchor back into action.
Looking Ahead
As the Lions prepare for their Week 10 showdown against Washington, the narrative is clear: reinforcements have arrived where they’re needed most — but not everywhere. The return of Decker, Sewell, and Skipper gives Detroit’s offensive line new life, yet the defense will have to continue adjusting without its top safety.
If the offensive front can hold strong and protect Goff, Detroit may finally rediscover the balance and toughness that defined its early-season success. But with Joseph’s status still uncertain, the Lions’ path forward remains a delicate mix of progress and patience.