Glaring Red Flag Emerges for Detroit Lions Ahead of Thursday’s Bills Game

Miami WR Malachi Toney will reportedly undergo ankle surgery

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Glaring Red Flag Emerges for Detroit Lions Ahead of Thursday’s Bills Game

Glaring Red Flag Emerges for Detroit Lions Ahead of Thursday's Bills Game — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Andrew Buller-Russ · Sportsnaut

Wed, Sep 16, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The Detroit Lions racked up 369 yards of offense last Sunday, and they needed every one to beat the New Orleans Saints 31-30 in overtime. Yet, many would argue that the Lions still underperformed against a Saints team that surprised many spectators paying close attention.

This week's game won't get any easier, taking on a hungry and possibly improved Buffalo Bills team that, like Detroit, is still searching for its first Super Bowl win as a franchise. Meanwhile, the Lions will be headed into Buffalo on a short week, at less than full strength.

Detroit Lions Rule Two Starting Offensive Linemen Out In Week 2

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell hugs offensive tackle Blake Miller (76) at warm up ahead of the New Orleans Saints game at — Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell hugs offensive tackle Blake Miller (76) at warm-ups ahead of the New Orleans Saints game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.

The first teams forced to play after a short turnaround from Sunday to Thursday are the Lions and Bills this week, with Buffalo opening their new stadium. If that atmosphere wasn't already plenty challenging, now the Lions will have to do so without two of their starters on offense.

Both starting left guard Christian Mahogany and first-round rookie right tackle Blake Miller have been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup. Neither of them practiced at any point this week in Detroit.

Sixth-year veteran Larry Borom is expected to take over for Miller at right tackle. The 27-year-old has started 38 of his 64 appearances in the NFL, including 11 with the Dolphins last season.

Meanwhile, seventh-year veteran Ben Bartch is set to replace Mahogany at left guard. The 28-year-old has started 24 of his 56 appearances across three different teams. Bartch has started four games for the 49ers across the past two seasons.