The Detroit Lions are dealing with another difficult injury situation just days after opening the 2026 season with a dramatic overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints. With Detroit preparing for a short-week road matchup against the Buffalo Bills, rookie right tackle Blake Miller has emerged as a player whose availability could be in doubt.
Miller was listed as a non-participant on Monday’s estimated injury report because of a knee issue. The rookie started Detroit’s season opener, but the injury has now created uncertainty heading into Thursday night’s game in Buffalo. The Lions officially listed Miller with the knee injury on their first practice report of the week.
The timing is particularly challenging for Detroit because the Lions have only a few days to recover before facing the Bills. Miller has reportedly remained optimistic about playing and has been working aggressively toward returning, while head coach Dan Campbell indicated that the team would have a clearer idea of his status as the week progresses.
If Miller cannot play, veteran Larry Borom is expected to be the leading option at right tackle. That would put additional pressure on an offensive line already dealing with another concern, as guard Christian Mahogany was also listed as a non-participant because of a hip injury.
The injury concerns come as general manager Brad Holmes continues to deal with some frustrating injury luck. The latest and most significant blow involves running back Isiah Pacheco, whose anticipated Detroit debut has been pushed back considerably after he underwent back surgery.
Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Pacheco underwent the procedure to address a problem in which a loose body was pressing on a nerve in his back. NFL Network reported that the running back is facing approximately a 12-week recovery, putting a potential return in early December if everything goes according to plan.
Pacheco had already been placed on injured reserve after suffering a back injury following an MCL issue during training camp. Detroit had signed the former Kansas City Chiefs running back during the offseason to provide depth behind Jahmyr Gibbs, but his first season with the Lions has now been delayed significantly.
The combination of Pacheco’s extended absence and the uncertainty surrounding Miller creates another early test for Detroit. The Lions survived their Week 1 battle with New Orleans, but with Buffalo waiting on Thursday night, the team will be hoping its injury list does not grow any further.
