Lions get huge injury updates on key starters ahead of Week 10 vs. Commanders

A hobbled Detroit Lions offensive line could be closer to full strength in Week 10.

On Friday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that offensive tackles Taylor Decker (knee) and Penei Sewell (shoulder) are trending toward starting this Sunday against the Washington Commanders (3-6). Both suffered injuries in Week 9's 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Positive Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell updates a welcome sign for depleted offensive line

Detroit's offensive line struggled with both starting tackles getting injured, along with guards Christian Mahogany (knee) and Tate Ratledge (shoulder). The Lions placed Mahogany on injured reserve Wednesday, while Ratledge finished last Sunday's loss after taking a trip to the locker room.

Having Decker and Sewell, who are both coming off 2024 Pro Bowl seasons, active should help Detroit avoid a second consecutive loss. The Commanders are dealing with a slew of injuries themselves, most notably to quarterback Jayden Daniels. A makeshift Lions offensive line would have helped level the playing field, but their cornerstone tackles should stabilize a unit that's had its share of struggles, ranking in the bottom 10 in ESPN's pass-block and run-block win rate.

With Mahogany out, the Lions are expected to start seldom-used fifth-year veteran Kayode Awosika, who has played 20 offensive snaps this season. The line would be in even worse shape if Decker or Sewell were also unavailable. Instead, the damage is at least somewhat mitigated.