The Detroit Lions ruled out Blake Miller and Christian Mahogany for tonight’s game against the Buffalo Bills, leaving the offense short of two starters on the line when the inactive report dropped in ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. Larry Borom and Ben Bartch were likely to step in at tackle and guard.
That is the reason Penei Sewell’s matchup matters tonight even though his name is not on the inactive list: the line around him has to absorb the loss. The Lions also elevated Devin Cochran and Seth McLaughlin from the practice squad for extra depth, a sign they wanted more bodies available if the game turns into the kind of trench fight the Buffalo Bills can force.
D.J. Reed gives Detroit a different kind of relief. He was listed as questionable after showing up on the injury report Tuesday with a foot injury, then was limited again Wednesday before being active and expected to start against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Christian Izien was also active after missing Week 1 with a groin injury, while Keith Abney II, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Jimmy Rolder, Mekhi Wingo and Ahmed Hassanein were inactive.
The numbers give Detroit some comfort, but not much margin. Borom and Bartch have 82 NFL starts between them, which is enough experience to patch together a plan, not enough to erase what is missing. The Lions have to get through tonight with reshuffled protection and a secondary that is healthier in spots, and the first true test comes immediately against a Buffalo offense led by Josh Allen.
For Penei Sewell, the issue is no longer whether he can hold up alone on the edge. It is whether the Lions can keep the whole front intact long enough for the night to settle into their terms.
