March 13, 2026, 8:31 a.m. ET
Keylan Rutledge is an interior offensive lineman who emerged as one of the top guards in college football. He is 6 ft 4 and 316 lbs as measured at the NFL combine. Even with some recent free agent signings like Cade Mays, the interior offensive line could use some help. Could the Detroit Lions add a Rutledge next to their (Tate) Ratledge?
Here is the excerpt of my medical report on Rutledge.
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information and are unverified – subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Keylan Rutledge, OG (23) – Georgia Tech
Projected round 2-3. #75 Jeff Risdon board Feb 19. #4 OG per Mel Kiper.
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Concern level 5/10
Rutledge has proven himself for 2 years after a severe toe injury in 2023. But a big toe injury can have long-term residuals as Lions fans are all too aware of. We have seen a big toe hamper Frank Ragnow for years and possibly cause his retirement. Taylor Decker (who is returning for Year 11) has had his own big toe problem resulting in a sesamoidectomy surgery.
The recurrent nosebleed (epistaxis) issue shouldn’t be a concern beyond the gameday management and jersey laundering. Sometimes, recurrent epistaxis can be due to underlying bleeding disorders, telangiectasias, tumors, liver problems, high blood pressure, or other systemic conditions. But Rutledge certainly already has had a full workup to rule out any serious condition. Lions medical will want to see that workup to confirm the benign nature.
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