The Detroit Lions will be without two starting offensive linemen for Thursday night’s Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills, with right tackle Blake Miller and left guard Christian Mahogany both ruled out on the final injury report.
Miller is dealing with a knee injury, while Mahogany is sidelined by a hip injury. Detroit listed both players as non-participants throughout the short week, and the team’s Wednesday game-status report formally ruled them out for the trip to Buffalo.
Detroit will have to reshuffle two spots on the offensive line
Losing one starter on a short week can force a significant adjustment. Losing two at the same time means Detroit must prepare a new combination on the right edge and at left guard with very little full-speed practice time between games.
The Lions’ unofficial depth chart lists Larry Borom behind Miller at right tackle and Miles Frazier behind Mahogany at left guard. Those are the most direct replacement options, though Detroit can still adjust the final combination depending on how it wants to handle protections and interior depth.
There is at least one encouraging offensive-line development on the report. Juice Scruggs, who had been listed with a knee injury, progressed to full participation on Wednesday’s estimated report and carries no game designation. His availability gives Detroit another experienced option while the starting five is being reworked.
The timing raises the difficulty against Buffalo
The Lions are making the change immediately before a Thursday night road game, when teams have less time than usual to install contingency plans and build communication among a new group of blockers. That matters against a Buffalo defense capable of changing fronts, sending pressure and forcing offenses to identify protection adjustments quickly.
Detroit’s offense already played an extended game in Week 1. FSN’s recap of the Lions’ 31-30 overtime win over the Saints showed how much work Detroit needed to escape the opener. Turning around for a Thursday game with two starting linemen unavailable adds another layer to the Week 2 challenge.
The Lions do not need the replacement linemen to replicate every strength of Miller and Mahogany. The priority is keeping the offense functional: clean exchanges on stunts, reliable communication in pass protection and enough movement in the run game to keep Buffalo from attacking obvious passing situations.
D.J. Reed remains another important availability question
Detroit’s final report also lists cornerback D.J. Reed as questionable with a foot injury. Reed was limited on Tuesday and Wednesday after being added to the report earlier in the week.
FSN previously covered Reed’s addition to the Lions’ Week 2 injury report. His status remains separate from the offensive-line absences, but the combination means Detroit could be managing meaningful personnel changes on both sides of the ball in Buffalo.
Defensive back Christian Izien, who had been listed with a groin issue, is off the final injury report and expected to be available. That gives the secondary at least one positive development as the Lions wait on Reed.
What the Lions need from the replacement line
The biggest concern is not simply one-on-one blocking. Offensive lines depend heavily on continuity, particularly when handling games and pressure packages that require two or three players to pass off defenders in sync. A short week reduces the number of practice repetitions available to a new combination.
Detroit can help its replacements with formation, tempo and protection choices. The offense can use quicker throws, chip help and more controlled protection calls if necessary. Those adjustments can reduce exposure, but they also affect how aggressively the Lions can attack downfield.
That makes early-game execution important. If the reshuffled line settles in quickly, Detroit can stay close to its normal plan. If Buffalo creates immediate pressure or penetration, the Lions may have to simplify more aggressively.
What to watch Thursday night
The first thing to watch is Detroit’s actual starting combination when the offense takes the field. Borom and Frazier are the listed backups, but pregame warmups and personnel usage will confirm how the Lions intend to replace Miller and Mahogany.
The second is how the line handles Buffalo’s pressure looks on third down and in obvious passing situations. With Miller and Mahogany already ruled out, there is no uncertainty about whether Detroit will need replacements. The only question is how well the new group can hold together on a short week.
Sources
- Detroit Lions: Lions at Bills injury report, Sept. 16 (September 16, 2026)
- NBC Sports: Lions RT Blake Miller, LG Christian Mahogany out vs. Bills (September 16, 2026)