Just before their final preseason matchup, the Detroit Lions received troubling news about a crucial member of their offensive line. According to Brad Galli, OL Graham Glasgow exited Thursday’s practice early and is undergoing evaluation for a lower leg issue. The seriousness of the injury remains unclear at this time.
Glasgow may be the lineman Detroit can least afford to lose. Drafted in the third round by the Lions in 2016, he finished his rookie deal before joining the Broncos in free agency. He came back to Detroit in 2023 and has been the starting left guard the past two seasons. After longtime center Frank Ragnow retired this offseason, Glasgow was set to move into that role.
If Glasgow misses time, the likely replacement at center would be Kingsley Eguakun, a former undrafted free agent. Depth at center is a concern for the Lions, and losing Glasgow would be a major blow. One potential silver lining is that he walked off the field without help. That might suggest the injury isn’t too severe.
Lions’ Offensive Line Suffers a Blow
Graham Glasgow
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 28: Graham Glasgow #60 of the Detroit Lions takes the field before facing the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on November 28, 2024. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
As noted, Detroit’s revamped offensive line leaned heavily on Glasgow’s role. Not only did Ragnow step away this offseason, but right guard Kevin Zeitler also left, signing with the Titans in free agency. While Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell remain at tackle, the interior line was undergoing change.
Glasgow moved inside to center, and second-round rookie Tate Ratledge was named the starting right guard. Christian Mahogany, drafted in the sixth round in 2024, secured the starting job at left guard.
That’s a lot of change and inexperience for a Detroit team that prides itself on grit and strength in the trenches. The Lions have boasted arguably the NFL’s best offensive line over the past three years, coinciding with one of the franchise’s most successful stretches. That’s no accident—and they may regress in 2025 if Glasgow misses significant time.
Plenty of Changes on Detroit’s Offense
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It’s not just the offensive line seeing new personnel: Detroit has plenty of fresh faces on offense, most notably at playcaller. Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was a top head coaching target in both 2023 and 2024, but stayed in Detroit each time. This offseason, however, the Chicago Bears finally hired him as their new head coach, leaving Detroit with a big gap to fill.
Johnson was regarded as one of the best offensive minds in the league, and his loss could be significant. New offensive coordinator John Morton steps into big shoes. Under Johnson, the Lions’ offense was known for its innovation and sharp execution—qualities head coach Dan Campbell values highly. He’ll expect Morton to maintain what has driven their recent success.
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