Campbell: Glasgow Has Earned Right to Be Starter

Graham Glasgow has played all over the offensive line this season.

When Halapoulivaati Vaitai went down with an injury in Week 2 for the Detroit Lions, Graham Glasgow was thrust into a starting role at right guard. 

Since then, it's been a whirlwind for the veteran. Glasgow has started six games across three different positions, including at three different spots in the last three games. 

The Michigan product has started at both guard positions, along with filling in for Frank Ragnow at center in Week 8. With Vaitai returning to health, Glasgow's starting position could have been returned to his predecessor. 

However, Dan Campbell said Wednesday that Glasgow has earned the right to be the team's starting right guard moving forward.

"Yeah, I think so. I think that's fair. We're always assessing (Vaitai), and V's still working at it," Campbell said. "But, certainly, Graham's been productive for us. And, he has, he's been productive in three different spots — left guard, center and then certainly right guard before that. He's been a big asset for us. That was a good signing for us to get. Fortunate to have him. He's a steady, reliable piece for us." 

Glasgow has garnered a 77.1 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranks third behind Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow amongst Detroit's linemen. He also holds 77.9 and 67.9 marks in run and pass blocking, respectively. 

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After struggling with injuries last season with the Denver Broncos, he elected to return to Detroit on a one-year contract. The results have been sterling, as he has been a huge factor in the team's success. 

“I feel a lot healthier coming into this year than I did last year. I was coming off, what was it, a seventh-month, nine-month injury? It was terrible. So, coming off that last year, and I was rushing back to be able to play, I mean, I wasn’t -- you know, when you’re losing games, and your body’s not feeling good, you’re not typically great. So, coming back here, feeling a lot healthier, and I’m also playing with really good players," Glasgow said earler this year. "I mean, Penei’s a good player, Frank’s a good player, Taylor’s a good player, Jonah’s a good player, 'Big V' is a good player. Just being around them, that’s really just nice.”

Vaitai, meanwhile, has been limited. He has appeared in just one game on offense since the injury, which was Week 7 against Baltimore. The veteran has earned a 68.3 overall PFF grade. 

In his last appearance against the Ravens, Vaitai earned a subpar 49.7 PFF offensive grade. Contributing to that was a 44.5 mark as a run-blocker. 

The Lions' offensive line is also set to welcome back two starters in Ragnow and Jonah Jackson. As a result, Detroit's offensive line is set to be as healthy as it's been since the season opener.