The Detroit Lions have not offered details regarding the specific issue Manu is dealing with or when he could return to training. This move keeps him out of practice until he clears a physical and receives medical approval, though it does not necessarily mean he will miss any regular-season games this year.
Understanding Manu's active/NFI status
The Lions can bring Manu back to action at any time, as long as he passes a complete medical evaluation and physical. Still, this pause might slow his development, particularly during a season that's crucial for his growth and future in the NFL.
Manu's place on the Lions roster
Selected in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, Manu is a towering 6-foot-7 and 350-pound tackle. His physical profile has generated significant interest in his potential. In the 2025 season, he played in four games, earning one start on the offensive line.
The Lions are trying to determine whether Manu can become a regular starter or function effectively as a backup along the line. With Manu currently sidelined, it adds stress to the team's line depth and raises questions about his readiness for a consistent role.
Manu now joins Christian Mahogany on the active/NFI list at the start of the training camp. If he remains away for an extended time, it could delay his development at a time when the Lions expect him to make progress in securing a key position on the offensive line.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed that Manu is expected to miss roughly three months with an injury that existed before players reported to Allen Park. Manu had been dealing with an undisclosed issue from earlier in the summer. He came off the field following Wednesday's opening training camp practice, underwent additional testing, and received a recovery timeline of 12 to 14 weeks. A 12-to-14-week absence would keep Manu sidelined through most of October and potentially into November.
Even after he is medically cleared, the 6-foot-7, 350-pound lineman would need time to rebuild his conditioning and prepare for live football. That makes a meaningful role during the first half of the season extremely unlikely.
Manu's absence removes one of Detroit's largest and most athletic depth options from an offensive line already sorting through several new combinations. Penei Sewell remains the foundation, while Blake Miller and the team's other reserve linemen will receive additional opportunities at tackle. Larry Borom, Devin Cochran, and Colby Sorsdal could also benefit from the available snaps. The Lions will likely continue evaluating outside options as roster cuts approach. A contender cannot afford to enter the season without enough protection behind its starters.