Lions' starting center Cade Mays sidelined by wrist injury after $25M deal
Head coach Dan Campbell said new center Cade Mays will miss a significant portion of the season due to a wrist injury.
Detroit's offensive line was reshaped for the 2026 season, placing Penei Sewell at left tackle, Christian Mahogany at left guard, Cade Mays at center, Tate Ratledge at right guard and Blake Miller at right tackle. However, head coach Dan Campbell revealed that Mays has incurred a wrist injury that will cause him to miss a substantial amount of time, marking the second consecutive year the Lions struggle at center. The setback undermines the team's effort to solve the position after last season's failed attempt to bring Frank Ragnow out of retirement.
With Mays unavailable, the Lions are looking to Juice Scruggs as the likely starter, while Michael Niese and Seth McLaughlin remain possible alternatives. The situation may force Detroit to explore free-agency or trade options before the regular season begins.
Why it matters
The Lions' center injury threatens the stability of their newly built offensive line ahead of the season.
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