The Lions Just Shook Up Their Biggest Training Camp Battle Without Even Trying
Christian Mahogany landed on the active/non-football injury list Monday and suddenly the wide-open left guard competition in Allen Park just got a whole lot more interesting for everyone not named Christian Mahogany.
The Lions made three roster moves to kick off the week. They released defensive lineman Jay Tufele, placed safety Christian Izien on the active/non-football injury list, and put Mahogany on that same list. The Mahogany move is the one that matters.
Tufele Is Out, Troy Reeder Is In
Tufele could have been a serviceable nose tackle and run stuffer off the bench. That is not happening now. Detroit signed Troy Reeder and needed a roster spot. Tufele was it.
The Lions will cycle through defensive linemen all camp long. Cornerback and defensive line remain positions where Detroit wants to see as many bodies as possible. Tufele just will not be one of them.
Izien Lands on NFI List But It Is Not a Panic Situation Yet
Izien is expected to be a real piece of the safety rotation. He is on the active/non-football injury list now. We do not know why.
The good news is this is not the regular-season version of the NFI list. During training camp players can come off these lists immediately. Izien could be back at the next practice. It is not a long-term concern unless it becomes one. Monitor it but do not spiral yet.
Mahogany Missing Reps Changes Everything at Left Guard
This is the big one.
Mahogany starting training camp on the non-football illness list is a huge development because this left guard competition is already crowded as hell. Ben Bartch, Miles Frazier, Giovanni Manu, and Michael Niese are all fighting for that starting spot alongside Mahogany. With Mahogany sidelined to start camp those four just got handed a golden opportunity. They will get first-team reps at left guard while Mahogany watches from the sideline.
If you are Ben Bartch this is your moment. This is where you come in, put together a strong first week, and make the coaching staff think twice about handing the job back when Mahogany returns. If Bartch or any of the other competitors can establish themselves early Mahogany might come off the list and find himself working with the second team just to get back into the conversation.
Players can come off the non-football illness list at any time during training camp. This is not a permanent situation. But timing matters. Every rep counts in a competition this tight and Mahogany is missing valuable ones right now.
It is good news for the other competitors even if it is bad news for a teammate. Training camp just got a whole lot more interesting on the interior offensive line.
Does Mahogany still win this job or did someone just steal his reps and his starting spot? Drop your take below.
