Christian Mahogany injury update: Detroit Lions G '100%' playing in '25

It seems premature, and even he acknowledges there's no guarantee it happens.

But injured Detroit Lions offensive guard Christian Mahogany has a target in mind for his return from a broken bone in his left leg.

"Hopefully next week," Mahogany told the Free Press on Monday, Dec. 1.

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Next week? As in six weeks after he limped out of Ford Field on crutches after a Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and needed help getting up a small flight of stairs?

"Trying," Mahogany said. "I’m doing my best. Maybe week after, we don’t know. I don’t know. Depends. Depends on how things heal, make sure everything’s good X-ray wise and it’s just a feel thing."

Whatever the case, Mahogany said he "100%" expects to play again this regular season for a Lions team that's lost four of its past seven games to fall to 7-5 and needs a strong finish to make the playoffs.

The Lions have struggled at times this season on their offensive line and could get a boost from Mahogany's return. A sixth-round pick out of Boston College in 2024, Mahogany started the first eight games at left guard and showed promise as a run blocker.

He worked out on the side with trainers at practice Monday and said he feels "good" physically and about where he's at in his rehab.

"I felt a lot better having a full camp and a full spring and now I feel even better 'cause I’m more in shape, I’ll be even healthier when I get back," he said. "My body’s had some time off and I can give it my 150% for my guys."

Mahogany went through some growing pains early this season in his first year as a starter after the Lions shuffled personnel on their line. Left tackle Taylor Decker missed two games with a shoulder injury and the Lions started two different tackles – Gio Manu and Dan Skipper – in his absence.

Mahogany said he felt like he was "getting in the groove" at the time of his injury and should be able to settle in again quickly once he's back.

“I just want to help in any way possible," he said. "If they’re saying 'just be here in meetings,' that’s full me. If they say 'we want you to play,' I’m going to play, so that’s who I am. I know the risks, so it is what it is. I’m going to try and be back as quick as possible."

Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions OG Christian Mahogany '100%' to play again this season