Dec. 25, 2025Updated Dec. 26, 2025, 4:47 a.m. ET
Minneapolis — Everybody breathe.
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, a two-time All-Pro who was named to his fourth Pro Bowl this past week, returned to Detroit’s contest against the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day after briefly exiting with an injury.
On a 3-yard run by running back Jahmyr Gibbs with 5:27 left in the first quarter, Sewell was rolled up on and looked to be in supreme discomfort while being attended to by the training staff.
Lions coach Dan Campbell came out to check on Sewell as several Lions players took a knee and looked on.
After the game, Sewell said he didn’t know specifics about the injury, but “I think it was one of those things where it happened quick, and (then) it went away and I was able to go in.”
The Lions were already without starting left tackle Taylor Decker, who was ruled out with an illness. Dan Skipper manned left tackle duties for Decker, while the Lions were forced to play reserve guard Kayode Awosika at right tackle in Sewell’s spot.
The Lions’ makeshift offensive line proved to be a major problem as the Lions reached first-and-goal from the 2-yard line, unable to make any progress on the ground with Sewell on the sideline.
But Detroit then called a timeout before fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line, allowing Sewell to come back in for the critical play. Quarterback Jared Goff’s pass protection held up long enough for him to find Isaac TeSlaa in the end zone for a touchdown that tied the game, 7-7.
Other injury updates
▶ LB Alex Anzalone, S Thomas Harper: Anzalone and Harper both left the game during the third quarter to be evaluated pursuant to concussion protocol. Neither player returned.
▶ WR Amon-Ra St. Brown: St. Brown took an awkward hit while trying to reel in an incompletion with 38 seconds left in the game. A Vikings defender appeared to use his helmet to make contact with the back of St. Brown’s head during the play. After it was over, St. Brown was attended to by the training staff and jogged off under his own power. There was no update on St. Brown’s status after the game.
nbianchi@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi
