With the season nearing its end, the Detroit Lions no longer have room for mistakes. Sitting at 8–6 and just outside the NFC playoff picture, Detroit must win each of its remaining games to have any chance of leapfrogging the Green Bay Packers for the final wild-card spot.
As head coach Dan Campbell prepares for a critical matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one issue stands out above the rest: the interior offensive line. Following an unsuccessful attempt to bring Frank Ragnow back into the lineup, the Lions have turned to Trystan Colon to fill the void left by injured guard Christian Mahogany.
While Mahogany is expected to return soon, his availability for the upcoming week remains uncertain. If he can’t suit up, Detroit may be forced to explore other options — because continuing with Colon in such a high-stakes moment could prove disastrous.
Detroit Can No Longer Rely on Colon in Must-Win Games
Colon was barely part of the rotation earlier in the season, logging just 33 offensive snaps through the first 12 weeks. That changed abruptly when Graham Glasgow suffered a lower-leg injury, forcing Colon into action at center during the Thanksgiving loss to Green Bay. The results were immediate and troubling, as the offensive line struggled to function cohesively.
Though Colon has since shifted to guard while Mahogany has been sidelined, the problems haven’t disappeared. Over the past three games, Colon has played roughly 150 snaps and produced one of the lowest performance grades among NFL guards, according to Pro Football Focus. His overall grade ranks near the bottom of the league, and he’s surrendered pressure at an alarmingly high rate. In fact, the number of pressures he’s allowed during that span places him among the most beaten interior linemen in football.
While the Lions may value Colon’s experience, performance must outweigh familiarity — especially with the season on the line.
A Younger Option May Offer More Stability
One alternative is rookie Miles Frazier, who missed much of the offseason and early regular season due to a knee injury. Although his overall grading profile is still a work in progress, there were encouraging signs in his limited action during Sunday’s loss to the Rams. In a brief stint at right guard, Frazier allowed minimal pressure in pass protection and graded well in the run game, showing noticeable improvement from earlier appearances.
Starting Frazier wouldn’t erase the absence of proven veterans like Ragnow or Kevin Zeitler, but it could provide a short-term solution until Mahogany is healthy enough to return. At this stage of the season, the Lions must prioritize upside and stability.
With no margin for error left, Detroit cannot afford continued breakdowns along the offensive line. If Colon remains in the lineup, the flaws are simply too costly — and the Lions’ playoff hopes may disappear as a result.
