Ahead of the Detroit Lions Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, offensive guard Christian Mahogany shared an important message with his teammate Miles Frazier. Mahogany wanted to ensure that Frazier was mentally ready as he approached his potential activation from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Frazier recalled Mahogany telling him, “Be ready. You never know when your number”s gonna be called.” This advice took on significant meaning shortly thereafter when Mahogany suffered a leg injury that will sideline him until at least late December. While Frazier has much to prove before he can earn the trust of the coaching staff in a game, Mahogany”s words were remarkably prescient.
“When he got hurt, he came to me and was like, “See?”” Frazier said. “Christian”s my dog, so hearing those words from him means a lot.” Mahogany”s insights stem from his own experience, having faced a delayed start to his NFL career due to mononucleosis, which caused him to miss his entire training camp.
Frazier is also coming back from a lengthy absence; he missed his first training camp and the first nine weeks of his rookie season due to a knee injury sustained during the offseason program. Now back at practice, Frazier expressed his emotional response to returning to the field. “I almost cried. Because it”s like, this is — I”m just grateful. I”m just thankful,” he shared. “Even with scout-team reps — they needed me at linebacker, kicker — wherever they need me to go, I”m going.”
As he prepares to step into a role on the offensive line, Frazier is optimistic about his readiness. He noted, “I feel like I”ll need just one or two weeks for me to feel Sunday-ready.” On his first day back, he took snaps at both guard positions and right tackle, feeling confident in his ability to contribute.
Frazier”s journey includes starting 15 games at Florida International before transferring to LSU, where he started 39 games. He has experience playing every position on the offensive line except center. Despite the presence of other young guards like Mahogany and Tate Ratledge, Frazier may have been overlooked, yet many analysts view him as one of the biggest steals from the 2025 draft.
“He can play guard, he can play tackle, he did both of those at LSU,” said Dan Campbell regarding Frazier. “He can sustain blocks, he”s got power, he”s pretty tenacious, he finishes.”
Frazier has developed a strong bond with Mahogany, particularly due to their shared New Jersey roots. While Frazier aims to establish his role, he is confident that Mahogany will make a swift return. “It”s unfortunate what happened to him, but he”s high-spirited, he”s still in meetings, I see him in the training room, grinding right now,” Frazier stated. “I feel like he”ll be back very soon. Like, sooner than expected.”
