CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Giovanni Manu’s first NFL start had some highs and some ugly lows, as expected.

Manu has been in a developmental role since getting drafted in 2024’s fourth round. He was a healthy scratch for every game as a rookie. Manu saw a couple of offensive snaps through the first four games thanks to some blowout victories.

But he was thrust into the starting lineup at left tackle with the Lions opting to let Taylor Decker’s shoulder get a well-deserved rest. Manu’s first start came with Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson lined up in front of him for his welcome to the NFL moment.

The 25-year-old got beaten by Hendrickson for a strip-sack in the first quarter. He also surrendered one to Bengals pass rusher Joseph Ossai in the fourth quarter. Most of Manu’s h

See Full Page