Lions OTA health recap: Notable full participants

USA Today

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Lions OTA health recap: Notable full participants
Now that OTA (organized team activities) are over, it's time to recap what we've learned. The best news coming out of the six days of OTA is that there were no significant new injuries. This can't be taken for granted as preseason injuries are common. During OTA's, we've already seen Steelers TE Donald Parham suffer an Achilles tear, and former 2nd-round Lion Jahlani Tavai (now with the Patriots) suffer a multi-week calf injury.
With so many players recovering from medical issues, I'll break down the OTA recap into categories. First will be notable players who had a "full" participation in OTA as relayed by Dan Campbell. My next article will recap the players with limited to no participation. There is certainly some gray area with these informal designations (full vs limited vs out), so take them with a grain of salt.
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE (Left tib/fib fracture - Oct 13, 2024)
A limited designation would have been totally reasonable since Hutchinson is still rebuilding strength and wearing a leg sleeve. But Dan Campbell conspicuously eschewed the limited designation.
With no limited designation, the Lions are "lighting the beacons" and sending the clear signal across the NFL landscape that Hutchinson will undoubtedly be ready for the season. Great news for Lions fans and bad news for opposing QB's.
As Gandalf proclaimed in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King when the beacons were lit....
"Hope is kindled."
Tate Ratledge, OG/C (Left MCL & high ankle sprain - Sep 2024)
Ratledge was getting heavy work at the center position during OTA due to Ragnow's retirement. One of Ratledge's health concerns coming out of college was his slightly older rookie age of 24. That means there is little time for development, and he needs to be a plug-and-play player his rookie year. This is especially true now with the team's previous All-Pro center on a fishing boat somewhere. A full participation in OTA was expected for Ratledge but still good to see.
As Dan Campbell stated during OTA when discussing the interior offensive line....
"We need growth [of all these guys], we need development quickly."
Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE (Right ankle - Dec 31, 2024)
His ankle injury during his final college game is clearly not an issue anymore. During OTA, Jeff Risdon observed that "Hassanein exudes enthusiastic energy and athleticism on every single rep." With both starting EDGE's coming off injury along with a stark lack of pass-rushing depth, the development of this 6th-round rookie is worth keeping a close eye on.
Marcus Davenport, EDGE (Left elbow - Sept 22, 2024)
Despite still wearing a significant left elbow wrap for his reported triceps rupture last September, Davenport was not given a limited designation. That means he will be ready for the season as expected. The Lions have given him a lot of financial reasons to produce this season as the majority of his contract value involves incentives.
Christian Mahogany, OG
With the OG position unsettled, Mahogany is in the mix for a starting role after emerging as the primary backup during his rookie year. A healthy OTA makes him the favorite to start the year at LG which is where he was exclusively seen by Jeff Risdon. This former 6th-rounder does have a history of a right ACL tear in 2022 and was wearing a right knee brace last season, so his health is something to watch.
Graham Glasgow, OG/C
With Ragnow's retirement, Glasgow's performance and health increase in importance. Last season, his performance dipped possibly due a knee issue. Hopefully, this season we see a rebound in performance/health. A full participation in OTA is a good start.
Ennis Rakestraw, CB (Hamstring - Nov 23, 2024)
Sporting a new number (#9), Rakestraw was looking spry at OTA. Last season was rough as multiple hamstring injuries knocked him out of much of his rookie year. Hopefully, he can dodge those issues this season. Getting through OTA healthy was an important step.
Pat O'Connor, DT (Calf - Jan 5, 2025)
A calf injury kept him out of the playoffs which may have been an underrated factor in the defensive struggles vs the Commanders. O'Connor had been performing well in the latter part of the season when he was playing about 50% of defensive snaps. It's good to see that the calf issue has resolved.
Amik Robertson, CB (Left humerus fracture - Jan 18, 2025)
Despite the lengthy surgical scar, the humerus fracture suffered early in the playoff game is not an issue.
He should pick right back up after coming off a strong season at both inside and outside CB. This will be a big year for Robertson's career as he enters the final year of his contract at just 27 years old.