Just ahead of the team’s final preseason game, the Detroit Lions got some worrying news about a key piece of their offensive line. Per Brad Galli, OL Graham Glasgow left practice early on Thursday and is being evaluated for a lower leg injury. The severity of the injury is not yet known.
Glasgow might be the offensive lineman the Lions can least afford to lose. Originally a third-round pick of the Lions in 2016, he played out his rookie contract before signing a free agent deal with the Broncos. He returned to Detroit in 2023 and started at left guard the past two seasons. With Lions’ lifer Frank Ragnow’s retirement this offseason, Glasgow was supposed to replace him at center.
Without Glasgow, the starter at center for Detroit would likely be former undrafted free agent Kingsley Eguakun. Center is not one of the Lions’ deeper positions, and if Glasgow is forced to miss time, it could bode trouble. The good news, if there is any, is that Glasgow left practice under his own power. It’s at least possible the injury isn’t serious.
The Lions’ Offensive Line Takes a Major Hit
As mentioned, Detroit’s new-look offensive line relied heavily on Glasgow’s involvement. Not only did Ragnow retire this offseason, but starting right guard Kevin Zeitler signed with the Titans in free agency. Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are set at left and right tackle, respectively, but the interior needed some work.
Glasgow slid over to center, and rookie second-round pick Tate Ratledge earned the starting right guard job. Christian Mahogany, a sixth-round pick in 2024, won the competition to start at left guard.
That’s a lot of moving pieces and unproven talent for a Detroit team that prides itself on its toughness and domination in the trenches. The Lions have had arguably the best offensive line in the NFL over the last three seasons, and it’s corresponded with their most successful stretch as a franchise in decades. That’s not a coincidence, and they now risk taking a step back in 2025, especially if Glasgow is forced to miss extended time.
Lots of New Faces on Offense in Detroit
It’s not just along the offensive line: There are lots of new faces on offense in Detroit, and the most notable one will be the new playcaller. Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was one of the top head coaching candidates in 2023 and 2024, but he turned down opportunities both years to remain in Detroit. This offseason, however, the Chicago Bears managed to pry him away to be their new head man, leaving Detroit to fill a massive void.
Johnson is one of the top offensive minds in the game today, and his absence could be felt strongly. New OC John Morton has his work cut out for him. The Lions’ offense under Johnson was marked by creativity and precision, something HC Dan Campbell has prided his team on. He won’t want Morton to stray too far from what’s brought them recent success.
