The Detroit Lions may have lost much more than just a game on Sunday. Their offensive line is pretty banged up now, with Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell dealing with minor injuries and Christian Mahoganey potentially being out for the long run.
Of course, being without Sewell would be a catastrophe for John Morton's offense. The superstar right tackle is dealing with an upper-body injury, and he reportedly couldn't move his left arm after Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Dan Campbell is Non-Committal About Penei Sewell's Availabililty
Lions head coach Dan Campbell doesn't want to sound the alarms. Nevertheless, he doesn't sound too confident about Sewell's ability to suit up in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, according to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit.
"Dan Campbell said Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell's outlook 'seemed a little more positive' as of last night, but said he still isn't sure about their availability this week," Reisman wrote on X.
That's not much of an update, but it does sound a little more optimistic than his initial reaction. At least, it leaves the door open for a potential return to practice this week, which didn't seem possible on Monday:
"Nothing new, other than nothing sounds long-term, which is good. It's good news," Campbell said, per The Detroit News. "I think it's more about, are they going to be able to practice this week and are they going to be able to play this week? But nothing beyond that, I don't feel like, as of right now."
Sewell is widely recognized as the best right tackle in the league right now. He leads all players at the position with a 95.7 Pro Football Focus grade. He's also the best run-blocking offensive tackle in the game (97.4) and 12th in terms of pass-blocking grade (78.1).
The Lions will hit the road to square off against the Jayden Daniels-less Washington Commanders next week. While their defense should be able to contain Marcus Mariota and company, the offense will certainly struggle behind a decimated offensive line.
Dan Skipper is a strong candidate for an extended run at any of the two offensive tackle spots, but the Lions' offensive line depth will be put to the test if both Sewell and Decker have to sit this one out. At least, it doesn't sound like either of them will be out for more than a couple of games, at worst.