Lions 'have to assume we don't have' rookie OL Christian Mahogany as he battles illness

When the Detroit Lions drafted Boston College OL Christian Mahogany in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the expectation was the big rookie would compete for a primary reserve spot on the Lions’ excellent offensive line.

Alas, we haven’t seen Mahogany since minicamp. The offensive guard is on the non-football illness list and has not practiced at all in the first week of training camp. The nature of the illness is not publicly disclosed, but it’s serious enough that head coach Dan Campbell offered a pessimistic update about Mahogany’s short-term prognosis.

“We have to assume we don’t have him,” Campbell said bluntly when asked about Mahogany before Tuesday’s practice session.

“When we know he’s ready to get here and be a part of what we’re doing, believe me, we’ll get him here as fast as possible,’ Campbell said, adding that Mahogany has been an active participant in virtual meetings and is doing what he can to stay engaged while physically away from the team.

With Mahogany sidelined, veterans Netane Muti and Kayode Awosika have had increased reps with the second-team offensive line.