Lions' Offensive Line Banged Up Ahead of Thursday Night Game
The Lions listed right tackle Blake Miller (knee) and left guard Christian Mahogany (hip) as non-participants in Monday's estimated practice report. Running back Isiah Pacheco had back surgery and is expected to miss about 12 weeks. Coach Dan Campbell said Miller has a better chance to play than Mahogany on the short week.
The Lions' short week complicates their preparation for Thursday's matchup, as Campbell noted the compressed schedule limits recovery time for injured players. Ben Bartch, who replaced Mahogany after the hip injury, showed inconsistency with a costly late holding penalty despite solid pass protection overall.
Pacheco's back surgery involved removing a mass pressing on a nerve, with a projected 12-week recovery that could see him return by early December. The running back already missed significant training camp time with an MCL sprain, compounding his availability concerns for the season.
This injury situation could test the Lions' offensive line depth early in the season, potentially affecting their offensive consistency and game planning. Fans and fantasy football players may feel immediate impacts, while the team's short-term performance could influence playoff positioning later in the year. The Pacheco timeline may also shape roster decisions as the season progresses.