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By Ellis Williams
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Detroit Lions left guard Christian Mahogany is taking responsibility after head coach Dan Campbell removed him from the starting lineup for breaking team rules.
Mahogany addressed the benching Wednesday, with a chance to return to the lineup against the New England Patriots in Germany coming next.
In comments reported by 97.1 The Ticket's Will Burchfield, Mahogany acknowledged that the problem was his to fix: “I have to grow up and I have to stop breaking team rules.”
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Mahogany Takes Responsibility for Benching
The Lions have not publicly identified the specific violation. Burchfield reported that Campbell described it as a rule Mahogany had broken multiple times, and Mahogany declined to disclose details that his coach had kept private.
Mahogany apologized to his teammates Wednesday morning. He also expressed regret toward the offensive line and coaching staff, making his response about accountability rather than challenging Campbell's decision.
Detroit won without him in the starting lineup, beating the Miami Dolphins 19-9. The immediate question now is how Mahogany responds with another opportunity.
Campbell Returns Mahogany to First-Team Work
According to the Lions' official Wednesday practice report, Campbell said Mahogany would work with the starting offensive line again.
That development comes as Detroit prepares for an unusually demanding portion of its schedule. The Lions are practicing at home Wednesday and Thursday before flying to Munich on Thursday night for Sunday's meeting with New England.
The Patriots enter at 5-4 and rank among the NFL's top 10 teams in run defense. Detroit then returns home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before a Thanksgiving matchup with the Chicago Bears.
Those three games fall within 12 days. Campbell framed the stretch as preparation for the challenges his team could face later in the season, including potential playoff travel.
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A Sixth-Round Pick Faces His Next Test
The Lions selected Mahogany in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, using the No. 210 overall pick on the Boston College offensive lineman.
He arrived with experience at both guard positions. Mahogany started all 34 games he played for the Eagles, including 23 at right guard and 11 at left guard. He earned first-team All-ACC recognition in 2023 and was a two-time team captain.
That background helped bring him to Detroit. His latest challenge is keeping the starting opportunity he has earned while meeting Campbell's expectations.
Detroit is 6-2 after four straight wins, sitting a half-game behind the 7-2 Bears in the NFC North. With Minnesota also 6-2 and Green Bay 6-3, the Lions face a crowded division race over the season's second half.
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