The Detroit Lions opened training camp with Christian Mahogany, Christian Izien and Tyler Conklin temporarily unavailable, but Dan Campbell’s latest update suggests none of the three situations should create long-term concern.
Mahogany and Izien could return within days, while Conklin appears headed for a slightly longer absence as Detroit carefully manages a calf injury from the spring.
Christian Mahogany Expected Back Soon
Mahogany was placed on the active/non-football injury list before camp, though the Lions have not revealed what is keeping the projected starting guard off the field.
Campbell does not expect the absence to last long.
“Mahogany needs a couple of days, but he’ll be ready,” Campbell said.
That is encouraging news for an offensive line entering camp with several combinations to evaluate. Mahogany started 11 games last season and is expected to remain an important piece of Detroit’s interior protection.
His brief absence should create extra practice opportunities for players such as Ben Bartch, Miles Frazier and Juice Scruggs.
Tyler Conklin Could Miss About Two Weeks
Conklin’s timeline is longer, but Campbell indicated that the veteran tight end has not suffered a setback.
“Conklin is probably going to be about two weeks here,” Campbell said as quoted by Pride of Detroit. “Somewhere in there. He’s running. He got a little calf (injury) back in the spring. We’re hopeful. No setback. We’re trying to be smart with him, but hopefully get him back as soon as possible so we can get some reps on him.”
The Lions signed Conklin to provide experienced depth behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. Missing the opening portion of camp is not ideal, especially for a new player learning Detroit’s offense, but a cautious approach makes sense in late July.
His absence will give Miles Kitselman, Zach Horton and Thomas Gordon more chances to make an impression.
Christian Izien Dealing With the Flu
Izien’s placement on the non-football illness list initially created another concern for a secondary already waiting on Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
Campbell quickly eased those fears.
Izien is dealing with the flu and could return as early as Friday. Once healthy, the versatile defensive back should compete for snaps at safety, nickel cornerback and in other sub-packages.
Bottom Line
The Lions appear to have avoided any major new injury problems with Mahogany, Izien and Conklin.
Mahogany needs only a few days, Izien could return by Friday and Conklin is expected to miss approximately two weeks while recovering from a calf injury.
Detroit would prefer to have everyone practicing immediately, but patience in July is far better than creating a setback that follows a player into September.
