Lions’ Offense Rode a Healthy High in 2024 — But Will Lady Luck Stick Around in 2025?

Let’s get one thing straight — while the Detroit Lions defense was dropping like flies last season, the offense was practically wrapped in bubble wrap. It’s rare, almost uncanny, how healthy the offensive unit stayed throughout the chaos of the 2024 campaign. And this kind of streak? Yeah, it's the type of thing that makes fans nervous for the next season.

While headlines screamed about defensive woes and an ever-growing injury report, the offense was out there clicking — not limping — game after game.

That’s not to say they were immune to the injury bug. There were a few hiccups. Running back David Montgomery missed three games with a right MCL issue. Veteran lineman Taylor Decker sat out three as well due to a laundry list of issues, including a pec strain and ankle problems. Kalif Raymond, who’s often used as a sneaky weapon in the slot or return game, missed five games with a foot injury. And there were a handful of one-game absences from guys like Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Sam LaPorta, and Kevin Zeitler.

But here’s the thing — none of these were season-killers. In fact, some of them turned into blessings in disguise.

Depth Stepped Up, Big Time

Montgomery’s time off the field gave rookie Jahmyr Gibbs a bigger spotlight — and man, did he shine. The kid’s burst, vision, and hands brought a dynamic that even the coaching staff probably didn’t anticipate using so soon. It wasn’t just a replacement. It was a glimpse at the future.

Then there was Dan Skipper. When Decker went down, he didn’t just fill the spot — he held it down solidly. Christian Mahogany, still wet behind the ears, saw some real-time action and proved he could hang with the big boys, plugging holes left by Glasgow and Zeitler.

So yeah, it wasn’t just about being healthy — it was about being ready. That’s a credit to the entire coaching staff, the conditioning crew, and the depth built into this offensive unit.

Quick Flashback: Who Missed Time on Offense?

Here’s a rundown of the most significant offensive injuries from the 2024 season:

• David Montgomery (RB) – Right MCL (3 games)

• Taylor Decker (OT) – Pec strain, rotator cuff, MCL/ankle (3 games)

• Kalif Raymond (WR) – Left foot (5 games)

• Frank Ragnow (C) – Left pec strain (1 game)

• Graham Glasgow (OG) – Knee (1 game)

• Sam LaPorta (TE) – Left AC joint (1 game)

• Kevin Zeitler (OG) – Right hamstring (1 game)

When your starters are healthy and your backups are competent, you're in a pretty great spot — especially in the NFL, where injuries often define your season.

The Calm Before the Storm?

Let’s be honest. The odds of replicating that kind of offensive health streak in 2025? Not great.

Football is violent. Injuries are part of the game. The fact that the defense was absolutely cursed last season — we’re talking every week with new setbacks — while the offense was cruising? Yeah, that kind of imbalance usually doesn’t stick around.

The same practice fields. The same trainers. The same strength and conditioning programs. No crazy climate differences or turf switch-ups. Just dumb luck — or, as we like to call it, Lady Luck doing her thing.

Remember what Domino said in Deadpool 2? “Luck isn't a superpower.” Well, maybe not for her. But for the 2024 Lions offense? It sure felt like one.

Top 10 Notable Injury Moments of 2024

Sure, the offense was fortunate, but across the entire roster, here are some key injuries that had fans holding their breath:

10. Alex Anzalone's forearm – a tough blow to the linebacker corps.

11. Ifeatu Melifonwu’s inconsistent year – flashes of brilliance and frustration.

12. Christian Mahogany’s delayed debut – worth the wait.

13. James Houston’s attempted comeback – it just didn’t pan out.

14. David Montgomery’s mysterious knee – turned out better than expected.

15. Carlton Davis’s jaw fracture – oof, just brutal.
    (And the list goes on...)

Offseason Checkup

So far, the 2025 offseason hasn’t delivered any gut punches — knock on wood. But there was a little buzz around Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Turns out the star wideout underwent a surprise offseason knee "clean-up." These procedures usually involve trimming up a meniscus or cleaning out debris in the joint — nothing major, but still enough to raise an eyebrow or two. St. Brown didn’t miss a single game in 2024, so this was definitely unexpected.

He was limited during voluntary OTAs in June, but he told reporters he should be good to go once training camp opens. Barring any setbacks, fans can breathe easy — but it’s definitely something to keep on the radar as the season progresses.

What Should We Make of All This?

Here’s a big-picture takeaway: you can’t always blame the trainers, the turf, or the schedule. The Lions' offense and defense operated under the same circumstances. One unit flourished. The other floundered.

Sometimes, it really just comes down to the injury gods flipping a coin.

Heading into 2025, Detroit fans would love a repeat of last year’s offensive fortune. But they should probably prepare for some regression to the mean. And hey — maybe that means the defense finally catches a break.

The 2025 Outlook

Let’s end on a high note: the Lions are heading into the new season with their offensive core intact and ready. Everyone — from Jared Goff, to Penei Sewell, to Amon-Ra — is expected to be full-go when camp opens.

If they can stay even half as healthy as last year, this offense has the tools, talent, and versatility to light up the scoreboard and keep pace with any team in the league.

The only question now is — can Lady Luck ride shotgun for one more season?

Stay tuned, Detroit. This ride ain’t over yet.