With the NFL trade deadline officially behind us, it's time to focus on the task at hand. The Detroit Lions shot themselves in the foot with a home loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 and now have two tough road games ahead of them: against the Commanders and the Eagles. To keep their chase for the top spot in the NFC North alive, the Lions can't afford to make too many mistakes moving forward. Unfortunately, they are dealing with several key injuries that complicate matters.
On Wednesday, the team released its first official injury report, which highlighted a significant problem in the offensive line. Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, and Dan Skipper were all non-participants in practice. With Christian Mahogany already ruled out, the Lions have big questions they need to answer before Sunday.
Penei Sewell Is Likely to Play in Week 10 Despite Wednesday's DNP
Fortunately, Sewell's odds of suiting up are looking promising. Lions insider Tim Twentyman posted on X about the conversation he had with Sewell after practice, and noted that the star offensive tackle's shoulder is feeling better. He added that he expects Sewell to play in Washington.
This is a very positive development. While Sewell was able to play every snap against the Vikings, he was severely banged up after the game. He had sought medical attention during the contest but was able to return. He was poked in the eye and suffered a lower-body injury, on top of the shoulder issue. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press had reported that Sewell was "barely moving his left arm" in the locker room.
Sewell hasn't missed a game for the Lions since the regular-season finale in his rookie campaign in 2021. He has been a reliable iron man and the most important member of one of the best offensive line units in the NFL. For an offensive line that is dealing with injuries, having Sewell will be a big boost.
Yet, Dan Campbell still has important decisions to make. Decker's availability remains in question. With Skipper also hurt, who the Lions will trust at tackle is a big question. Kayode Awosika seems to be the favorite to start at left guard, and Trystan Colon is the only other healthy offensive lineman on the 53-man roster. Considering that the Lions signed three offensive linemen to the practice squad on Wednesday, Jack Conley, Chris Hubbard, and Netane Muti, one can expect at least one of them to get the call-up on Sunday.
Regardless of which direction Campbell goes elsewhere on the offensive line, he hopefully won't have to worry about how to replace the irreplaceable Penei Sewell.