The Detroit Lions may soon regain one of their most promising young linemen, as head coach Dan Campbell revealed that second-year guard Christian Mahogany is trending toward a return to practice this week. Mahogany has been sidelined since suffering a broken leg in Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, and Monday’s update marks the clearest sign yet that he is nearing a potential comeback.

“We’ll probably try to get him some work this week,” Campbell said, choosing his words carefully while acknowledging the significance of Mahogany’s progress. “I don’t expect a lot right now, but he’s starting to feel good enough to work him into practice.”

For the Lions, the possibility of having Mahogany back on the field — even in a limited capacity — represents meaningful progress. The young guard remains on injured reserve, but if Detroit opens his 21-day evaluation window when practice begins Wednesday, the team can begin the countdown toward a possible activation to the 53-man roster. Detroit will then have three weeks to determine whether he is ready to return this season or must remain out through the playoffs.

Despite the positive development, Mahogany is unlikely to suit up for Detroit’s upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions’ depth along the offensive line has already been tested heavily, and the uncertainty at left guard persists heading into Week 1  5.

Veteran lineman Kayode Awosika — the expected replacement — missed last week’s game with a foot injury, leaving the Lions to rely on a combination of Trystan Colon and rookie Miles Frazier against the Dallas Cowboys. Although Campbell praised both players for their competitiveness, he stopped short of committing to either as the starter moving forward.

“That’s hard to say. I can’t say that,” Campbell responded when asked if Frazier had earned another start. “But every rep he gets is going to help him. Those were real reps against real dudes — the most significant ones he’s had so far.”

Campbell emphasized that Frazier, a fifth-round rookie who only recently returned from injury himself, remains early in his development. The coaching staff estimates he has taken roughly 100 total practice reps this season — a limited amount for any young lineman adjusting to the speed of NFL defenses.

“Do I want to play him? I would love to play him some more,” Campbell admitted. His answer underscored the challenge facing the coaching staff: developing a raw, talented player while trying to maintain offensive stability during a playoff push.

That makes the timeline of Mahogany’s return all the more important. Before his injury, the former Boston College standout had begun carving out a role as a physical, reliable presence in the interior — a trait the Lions have missed as they cycled through options at left guard.

For now, Detroit finds itself navigating uncertainty at one of the most critical positions on the line. Awosika’s availability remains in question. Frazier and Colon may continue to rotate. And Mahogany, though improving, appears targeted more for a late-season or postseason contribution than an immediate return.

Still, the Lions have weathered their offensive line challenges this season with resilience, anchored by strong performances from their veterans and supported by Campbell’s emphasis on fundamentals. Whether help comes from a returning starter, a veteran stepping back in, or continued growth from a rookie, Detroit’s offensive line will once again be at the center of attention this week.

As Campbell put it, Mahogany’s return is becoming “a matter of when, not now.” And for a Lions team preparing for a bruising Rams front, that “when” could ultimately shape the trajectory of Detroit’s final stretch.