Better late than never for the Detroit Lions offensive line?
That's how the team feels headed into Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and as they've opened up the practice window for tackle Giovanni Manu in addition to returning Christian Mahogany to practice. The hope, as suggested by Lions reporter Dannie Rogers, is that the team can get at least Mahogany back for their Steelers contest.
As for Manu, it's unclear when he'll suit up again, but it doesn't sound like the team expects him to be ready for the postseason or their remaining three regular season games. That leaves just Mahogany as an interior offensive lineman coming to the rescue, as the Lions' backups at left guard have become a revolving door of talent. Mahogany is a significant upgrade.
Is it enough to help revive the Lions' pass protection that's been lost since he went down with injury, and since the team has discovered they're sorely lacking starting talent at center this season? It's unclear, but the Steelers should be a decent test of that plan's viability.
Mahogany getting huge test in potential return vs. Steelers
Mahogany had posted some decent numbers so far on the season prior to going down with a leg injury, with a 73.4 PFF grade as a run-blocker this season and having allowed just two sacks. His issue prior to his injury, as has been the issue for the entire offensive line in 2025, is forming chemistry with so many new faces on a previously veteran-led unit.
While Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are mainstays on the line and continue to shine as anchors for the line, it's the interior offensive line that keeps causing issues for the Lions this season.
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Getting no push or showing no resistance against defensive fronts hellbent on getting to Jared Goff continues to deteriorate the Lions' offensive scheming, especially with Goff not getting time to look downfield and as the team is heavily reliant on Jahmyr Gibbs' ability to take advantage of even the slightest open lane.
Pittsburgh's defensive line could potentially be banged up for this game, with pass rusher T.J. Watt (lung) and rookie tackle Derrick Harmon (knee) having sat out against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. Outside of them, Detroit's offensive line will also have to worry about ubër-veteran EDGE Cam Heyward, as well as linebackers Keeanu Benton and Alex Highsmith.
The Steelers are not a formidable squad this season by any means. They play in a weakened AFC North division, and just dominated an even weaker Dolphins team. Detroit has far more weaponry to throw at their defense this week, but Mahogany's ability to make an impact on the run game, especially, will be critical to the Lions' ability to walk away with a dominant win here.