Detroit Lions face offensive line crisis following Jamarco Jones’ season-ending injury
The Detroit Lions are now grappling with a significant setback in their offensive line depth. Head coach Dan Campbell announced on Monday that backup tackle Jamarco Jones will miss the entire season due to injury. Jones initially appeared on the Week 1 injury report with an ankle issue and was subsequently placed on injured reserve before the Lions’ opening matchup.
Jones’ Journey with the Lions
A former fifth-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, Jones joined the Lions in 2024, spending time on the practice squad before seeing action in two games last season. His signing to a futures contract in January hinted at the Lions’ belief in his potential to contribute this season. However, with Jones sidelined, the team faces a daunting challenge in maintaining their offensive line’s effectiveness.
Thin Depth Behind Star Tackles
With Jones out, the Lions find themselves precariously thin at offensive tackle, relying heavily on starters Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. The situation becomes even more concerning with second-year lineman Giovanni Manu stepping in as the primary backup for both positions. Unfortunately for Detroit, Manu’s lack of experience raises questions about his readiness if called into action.
Manu’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Manu, a fourth-round pick and product of British Columbia, has shown potential but has struggled in his limited opportunities. During the preseason, he yielded eight pressures without allowing any sacks over four games, finishing with Pro Football Focus grades of 58.2 in pass-blocking and a concerning 44.0 in run-blocking. These numbers highlight the need for the Lions to shore up their offensive line depth urgently.
Potential Solutions on the Horizon
In light of this injury crisis, the Lions are expected to make a move to bolster their tackle position. A likely candidate is veteran Dan Skipper, currently on the practice squad, though his health status remains a concern after he sustained an injury leading into the Lions’ game against the Green Bay Packers.
As the team prepares for the upcoming challenges, it is anticipated that they will add another tackle to the 53-man roster in the coming days. The urgency to stabilize the offensive line cannot be overstated, especially with the rigors of the season ahead.
