The Detroit Lions didn’t just lose on the scoreboard in their narrow 27–24 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings — they also suffered several key injuries, especially along the offensive line. Head coach Dan Campbell and his staff now face the challenge of adjusting as multiple starters nurse various ailments.
Below is the latest on each injured player and what it means for the Lions moving forward.
Christian Mahogany: Significant Knee Injury
Second-year guard Christian Mahogany suffered a serious knee injury after his leg bent awkwardly during contact with a Vikings defender. He was unable to put weight on his leg and had to be carted off the field.
After the game, Mahogany was spotted on crutches. Coach Dan Campbell admitted the outlook isn’t great, though he left the door open for a possible late-season return.
“Mahogany’s going to be out for a while — a long time, probably,” Campbell said.
“Maybe not the whole season, but likely until late December.”
Kayode Awosika replaced Mahogany at left guard and could see more action in the coming weeks.
Tate Ratledge: Shoulder Issue to Monitor
Tate Ratledge left the game in the second half after sustaining a shoulder injury but later returned to finish the contest. Campbell indicated the team will monitor him closely in the days ahead.
“Ratledge came back in, but we’ll see,” Campbell noted.
The Lions’ coaching staff may lean on their depth if Ratledge’s shoulder doesn’t respond well during recovery.
Taylor Decker: Battling Through a Knee Injury
Veteran tackle Taylor Decker was briefly sidelined after being rolled up on during a pass-blocking play. He later returned and finished the game, but acknowledged how easily linemen can get tangled in traffic during passing downs.
“There’s just a lot of bodies flying around in there,” Decker said. “Twists, stunts — it gets crowded around your feet.”
Penei Sewell: Shoulder Concern but No Missed Snaps
Penei Sewell avoided missing time despite a brief scare. After being thrown to the ground, he walked off clutching his left shoulder and went to the locker room. Fortunately, he returned without missing a play.
Coach Campbell said both Decker and Sewell will be evaluated throughout the week.
“We’ll see where Decker and Sewell are at as the week goes on,” Campbell said.
Depth on Alert
With four offensive linemen nursing injuries, Detroit may have to dig into its bench. Campbell mentioned Dan Skipper, Tristan Colon, Kayode Awosika, and practice squad member Michael Niese as potential fill-ins.
“We’ve got some guys ready to step up,” Campbell said. “Skipper played today, Colon and Yode (Awosika) are ready, and Niese is on standby. Whoever steps in has to be ready to go.”
Terrion Arnold: Back Tightness, But Finished the Game
Defensive back Terrion Arnold briefly exited with a back injury but managed to return and finish the game. There were no alarming updates afterward, and Arnold even spoke with reporters postgame, suggesting it’s nothing major.
Looking Ahead
The Lions’ offensive front faces a critical stretch as they prepare for upcoming matchups. With Christian Mahogany likely sidelined for weeks and others nursing minor injuries, Detroit’s depth and adaptability will be tested.
Still, if there’s one thing Dan Campbell’s squad has shown, it’s resilience — and they’ll need plenty of it to stay in the playoff hunt.
