As the Detroit Lions make a push toward the playoffs, their offensive line is facing significant challenges due to injuries. The absence of Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany has left the team thin in the trenches, and Frank Ragnow’s unsuccessful comeback has led to Kayode Awosika taking over at left guard. While Awosika has shown effectiveness in the run game, he has struggled in pass protection, allowing 10 pressures and three sacks over 149 pass-blocking snaps since he became a starter in Week 10, according to Pro Football Focus.
With Mahogany sidelined until at least December, this is a concerning development for a Lions team currently holding a 7-5 record and fighting for a playoff spot. However, hope may be on the horizon as the Houston Texans announced they are waiving guard Laken Tomlinson, a former first-round pick who started seven games for them this season. Although Tomlinson will enter the NFL’s waiver process, his addition could potentially address the Lions’ offensive line issues in the short term.
Tomlinson, who was drafted by the Lions in 2015 before being traded to San Francisco in 2016, has become a seasoned player, with stints on various teams, including the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks. Despite a relatively underwhelming performance in Houston, where he recorded a 56.1 overall grade on 284 snaps and a 55.4 pass blocking grade on 186 snaps according to PFF, he would still represent an upgrade over Awosika, who has had notable struggles against top NFC teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers.
The Lions may only need Tomlinson as a temporary solution, as Mahogany, although not perfect, has contributed positively in the running game with a 73.4 grade. During his time, he has given up 17 pressures and two sacks over 259 pass-blocking snaps, slightly better than Awosika’s current statistics.
The urgency for the Lions is evident, as they do not want to risk missing out on Tomlinson if a competing team with a worse record launches a claim. As they navigate through this crucial phase of the season, acquiring Tomlinson could serve as a valuable stopgap until Mahogany returns, providing the Lions with a better chance to secure a playoff berth.