Dan Campbell Turns to Cade Mays at Center as Lions Prepare for Packers Showdown

Detroit’s offseason acquisition is expected to make his Lions debut Sunday, while Juice Scruggs transitions into a valuable reserve role.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — October 21, 2026 — The Detroit Lions appear ready to make a change at center ahead of Sunday’s NFC North matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Head coach Dan Campbell indicated Wednesday that Cade Mays is expected to take over as Detroit’s starting center after missing the first five games of the season with a fractured wrist.

During his appearance on 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell explained that the team wants to give Mays an opportunity rather than rotate him with Juice Scruggs, who has performed well in his absence.

The decision brings Detroit closer to the offensive line configuration it envisioned entering the season.

Mays Ready for His Lions Debut

Detroit signed Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract during the offseason, expecting him to provide stability at center.

However, a wrist fracture during training camp delayed his debut.

With Mays now practicing again, Campbell believes the time has come to get him into the lineup.

The Lions worked Mays extensively during Tuesday’s practice, and Campbell was encouraged by what he saw.

The coach also emphasized that rotating centers is more complicated than rotating guards because of the communication, snap timing and consistency required with quarterback Jared Goff.

Juice Scruggs Earned His Opportunity

While Mays is expected to start, Scruggs deserves recognition for his performance.

Scruggs stepped into the starting role and helped Detroit navigate its first five games.

Campbell has repeatedly praised his reliability and team-first attitude.

Rather than rotating at center, Detroit expects Scruggs to provide depth at center and guard.

That flexibility could become especially valuable as the season progresses.

MCSN Take: This Is About the Bigger Picture

Scruggs has done everything the Lions could have asked.

But Detroit signed Mays with a specific plan in mind, and the coaching staff believes he can help stabilize the offensive line.

Getting Mays back into the lineup now gives him an opportunity to develop chemistry with Goff and the rest of the offense before the season reaches its most important stretch.

The Lions also gain something they haven’t always enjoyed in recent seasons: dependable interior offensive line depth.

The bottom line: Mays is expected to get the start against Green Bay, but Scruggs’ performance has given Detroit valuable flexibility moving forward.

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