Remember Colby Sorsdal?
It's okay if you don't. The Detroit Lions' 2023 fifth-round pick hasn't seen much action for the team since getting draft due to injury, but he's finally back in the fold to compete for numerous positions along the teams' offensive line. He's a versatile option for them headed into this season, as he can play either tackle or guard.
Sorsdal is currently listed just behind second-year guard Tate Ratledge on the Lions' depth chart, but that shouldn't sell anyone on his lack of potential to unseat Ratledge this season in training camp. Sorsdal's best opportunity to shake up the chart entirely is in training camp, as it seems like almost every position along the line (outside of left tackle) is completely open.
Sorsdal could compete for multiple open starting jobs on Lions' O-line
Head coach Dan Campbell said of Sorsdal's fit on the Lions' roster headed into this season:
"Our eyes are open. Every year, whether it’s free agency or draft, you’re acquiring competition. And the more that you invest in somebody, you feel like that’s probably the guy that’s going to take that spot. But it’s not a guarantee. He’s very much in that, our eyes are open. We’ll see. There’s been guys in this league, it happens more than you would think, whether it’s injury or guys or overlooked, it’s sudden: they get their confidence up, they start making plays, and they make a roster. "
Sorsdal's had the benefit of just diving into the playbook for the last few seasons while observing the eventual disintegration of the Lions' offensive line over the last four years. He came into the fold when Frank Ragnow was still the the starting center, and now, Cade Mays runs the show at that position. The teams' entire IOL is different, much to Sorsdal's potential benefit.
READ MORE: Lions UDFA has been sneakily earning praise amid cornerback battle
Nothing's a guarantee outside of left tackle for the Lions, it seems. Sorsdal, though, has shown some major promise in the past when he's been healthy and able to suit up in preseason and during the regular season, with Kory Woods of MLive writing all the way back in August of 2025:
"Of players with at least 10 snaps, Pro Football Focus had Sorsdal as one of the five highest-graded offensive players with a 74.2. Playing 24 snaps (45%) during the Hall of Fame game, Sorsdal showed promise adjusting to life at guard and was pretty solid in the run game."
Ratledge improved throughout his entire rookie season, but that doesn't mean he's a lock to start at right guard. Would it be nice to have that continuity for such a high-floor rookie, especially with so many changing faces up front?
Absolutely.
But, the Lions are seeking the most optimal line moving forward, and if Sorsdal can return to his 2024 and early 2025 form, Ratledge may need to begin looking over his shoulder.
Add us as a preferred source on Google