The Detroit Lions offensive line is going to look completely new in 2025. Should they get some extra time to build chemistry in the preseason?
The Detroit Lions have an offensive line quandary: what is more important, establishing chemistry between linemen or avoiding unnecessary injury risk?
Though the tackle spots are still anchored by Penei Sewell and a now-activated Taylor Decker , the interior faces a shakeup from last season. Christian Mahogany enters the starting lineup with just two career starts to his name. Veteran Graham Glasgow is shaping up to be the starting center. Rookie Tate Ratledge, though still contending for the center spot, is likely penciled in as a starting guard. With so much change up front, is it worth giving the offensive line some live game snaps in preseason?
The last time that the Lions played their starting offensive line in preseason was back in 2022. The starting five (Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, and Sewell) played a total of 39 snaps across two games. In the years since, no starter has touched the field. This is, in part, due to the stability across the offensive line—the Lions have rarely replaced more than one starter per season. In 2023, Glasgow replaced Vaitai—there were no preseason snaps for the veteran guard. In 2024, Kevin Zeitler replaced Jackson—there were no preseason snaps for the veteran. The benefit of having a veteran is that you can slot them into a lineup with confidence, despite a lack of preseason outings.
Now that there is a youth movement along the interior, will that still be the case? Or will the Lions risk their starters in order to get some valuable experience as a cohesive unit?
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Should the Lions play their starting offensive line in preseason?
My answer: No.
While I like the idea of giving the starting offensive line as many snaps together as possible, I do not see the value outweighing the injury risk. For Decker, Glasgow, and Sewell, the Lions know what they are getting—no amount of preseason snaps will change that assessment.
However, I think Mahogany and Ratledge should see the field in a limited capacity. This is actually Mahogany’s first training camp and preseason, having missed all of last year’s with mononucleosis. As for Ratledge, he has been getting cross-trained at both center and guard, a sizeable undertaking for a rookie. I think getting him some preseason action would be beneficial, especially if they can sprinkle him in at both spots.
I think the offensive line’s chemistry will truly begin to grow in joint practices. These are a more controlled environment than a preseason game, yet they still feature the intensity that comes with facing a non-teammate opponent.
For as good as the Lions offensive line has been, 2025 will be their biggest test yet. Is it worth getting some in-game practice before the regular season kicks off? Let us know in the comments below.