Over the last couple of seasons, the Detroit Lions have had one of the best offensive lines in football. However, this offseason, the Lions' offensive line lost some key pieces. Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler left in free agency, and All-Pro center Frank Ragnow surprisingly retired.
Although Ragnow's retirement came after the draft, the Lions were prepared as they drafted two offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft. Detroit selected Georgia guard Tate Ratledge, who they plan to play at center, in the second round. They also drafted LSU guard Miles Frazier in the fifth round.
That said, it seems that Frazier is already dealing with an injury. According to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, Campbell told the media that Frazier is dealing with a knee injury and the timetable for his return is September or October.
Miles Frazier Sidelined With Knee Injury for Training Camp and Preseason
#Lions coach Dan Campbell says rookie OL Miles Frazier has a knee injury. Timetable to return is "September, October."
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) July 22, 2025
CB Khalil Dorsey, who broke his tibia and fibula last season, is progressing well and could be back sooner rather than later.
Even though Frazier wasn't the most talked-about offensive lineman prospect out of LSU in 2025, he is still a solid player. In three seasons with the Tigers, he allowed only four sacks, three quarterback hits, 22 QB hurries, and 29 QB pressures, according to PFF.
While those are solid stats, the 23-year-old still has some areas of his game that need improvement, which is why he was selected in the fifth round. Unfortunately, Frazier's injury means he will miss crucial developmental reps in training camp and preseason games.
Being sidelined for preseason action is likely the bigger blow for a rookie's development. Missing preseason games means Frazier doesn't get the opportunity to feel how the speed of the NFL game is different from college.
Therefore, if he gets called upon because of injury during the regular season, it could end up disastrous. Moreover, missing the entirety of training camp and the preseason is likely to move Frazier down the depth chart. Though that may be the best case, because he is less likely to get called upon if an injury does happen.
Nevertheless, this injury news is rough for Lions fans who were looking forward to seeing Frazier in camp. Still, as long as Detroit is able to have a top offensive line in 2025, fans will be pleased.