Lions Indicate Starter Won't Play in Divisional Game vs. Commanders

The Detroit Lions are getting ready for their first playoff game as they host the Washington Commanders on Saturday at Ford Field. After a much-needed extra week of rest, the Lions are hoping to have their full complement of players for the divisional-round matchup. Unfortunately, however, that is unlikely to be the case.

Head coach Dan Campbell said on Thursday that star offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler will likely miss the game against the Commanders, per Lions insider Tim Twentyman. Zeitler reportedly didn't practice all week due to a hamstring injury.

Lions News: G Kevin Zeitler Likely to Miss Game vs. the Commanders

Hamstrings are notoriously tricky and very difficult to play if they feel less than 100%. Zeitler left the Week 18 game against the Vikings with a hamstring injury and didn't return. The fact that he still hasn't practiced ten days removed from the injury makes it highly unlikely that he would see the field on Saturday.

Plus, Campbell named his replacements in his presser. He said that rookie offensive lineman Christian Mahogany would step in and third-year player Kayode Awosika could see an expanded role. Campbell added that they are "in good hands", further highlighting that Zeitler will almost certainly not be available.

Zeitler just had one of his best seasons as a pro, receiving an 86.8 grade on PFF, the third-highest among guards. Even though Campbell is confident in his team's ability to replace him, it's going to be difficult to replicate that impact.

Mahogany has played 75 offensive snaps this season, most of them coming in Week 16 when he started at left guard in Graham Glasgow's absence. He was solid in that game against the Bears, receiving a 70.6 grade on PFF and allowing only one QB hit.

If he were to get the start at right guard on Saturday, it would be the biggest game in the sixth-round pick's pro career. Considering that Zeitler is 34 and Glasgow is 32, this is also an excellent chance for Mahogany to make his case to be the long-term starter in the offensive line. Let's hope that he makes the most of this opportunity.

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