Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Friday that two starting offensive linemen sidelined last week are expected back Sunday when the team hosts the New York Jets.
Campbell expects offensive tackle Blake Miller (knee) and left guard Christian Mahogany (hip) to be ready to go on Sunday. He said Ben Bartch (foot) isn’t a long-term concern but won’t be ready for Sunday.
The comments came after a long week of rest following Detroit’s Thursday night loss at Buffalo. The short turnaround had kept both starters off the field.
Mahogany lasted 11 snaps in the season-opening win over New Orleans before leaving with a hip injury. Bartch took over at left guard and started again against the Bills before hurting his foot.
Miller, the No. 17 overall pick in April, started his NFL debut but was held out of the road trip after the knee problem. He later indicated he believed he could have played if the game had been on a Sunday.
Larry Borom started at right tackle in Miller’s place. Pro Football Focus charged Borom with 11 pressures, including two sacks, and gave him a 33.1 overall grade. Bartch also received a 33.1 grade and allowed six pressures.
The backup play showed in the box score. Jared Goff was sacked four times for a loss of 38 yards. Detroit rushed for 66 yards on 20 carries in the 41-31 defeat.
The Lions fell to 1-1. Buffalo improved to 2-0 in the first game at its new stadium.
A return for Mahogany and Miller would put Detroit’s intended starting five back together for the first time since Week 1: Penei Sewell at left tackle, Mahogany at left guard, Juice Scruggs at center, Tate Ratledge at right guard and Miller at right tackle.
Sewell moved from right tackle to the left side this offseason after the Lions released longtime starter Taylor Decker. Scruggs is starting at center while Cade Mays remains out with a wrist injury that is expected to keep him sidelined into October.
Mahogany, a sixth-round pick out of Boston College in 2024, is in his third NFL season. He started 11 games in 2025 before a late-season injury and is now trying to lock down the left guard job.
Miller started 54 games at Clemson and set a school record with 3,778 offensive snaps. He did not miss a college game.
Both returning starters were limited participants in practice this week. Ratledge (elbow) was also limited. Bartch did not practice Thursday because of the foot injury.
The offensive line has been one of the most unsettled units on the roster after an offseason overhaul that included new faces at several spots. Getting the original group back on the field would give the line its first chance at extended continuity.
Detroit’s defense has allowed 71 points and 915 yards through two games, increasing the need for the offense to control the clock and stay on the field.
The Jets, also 1-1, visit Ford Field at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
