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Lions Move Penei Sewell to Left Tackle

The change follows offseason line retooling that leaves Sewell as Detroit’s blindside protector and will need contact drills and live games to show its true effect.

Overview

  • Sewell has been taking first‑team reps at left tackle during OTAs this week and says he is approaching the flip “day‑by‑day” while focusing on incremental improvement.
  • Detroit’s roster moves — including Taylor Decker’s exit and the first‑round selection of Clemson tackle Blake Miller — signaled and effectively confirmed the position change.
  • Coaches and front‑office figures publicly voiced strong confidence in Sewell’s ability to switch, calling him one of the NFL’s top tackles and citing his athleticism and work ethic.
  • Statistical splits raise a practical concern for the run game because Jahmyr Gibbs averaged about 15% more yards per carry to the right than the left and Pro Football Focus found a 2.27 yards‑per‑carry gap in those lanes.
  • Sewell’s prior left‑tackle experience at Oregon and early NFL starts give context for the move, but reporters and coaches stress formal judgment must wait for contact periods and regular‑season play.