Lions OL faces center competition as Mays returns from injury
The Detroit Lions are navigating a transitional phase for their offensive line as center Cade Mays recovers from a broken wrist. While Mays is expected to return, the team faces a competitive situation with Juice Scruggs, who has performed well at center. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard expressed optimism about safety Brian Branch potentially playing against the Arizona Cardinals after a strong practice.
Key points
- Cade Mays is recovering from a broken wrist suffered in training camp and is expected to return to action.
- Juice Scruggs has been playing center effectively, creating a competition for the starting role with Mays.
- The Lions' offensive line includes Penei Sewell, Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, and rookie Blake Miller.
- Brian Branch, who tore his Achilles tendon in December, practiced for the first time in 10 months and could return against the Cardinals.
- The Lions are 2-2 after four games and have a bye week following their matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Background
The Detroit Lions have been rebuilding their offensive line since 2021, with Penei Sewell being a key part of their strategy. The team faced a disappointing 9-8 finish in 2025, leading to changes in the offensive line. The return of Cade Mays and the performance of Juice Scruggs are significant developments in this ongoing process.
How outlets are covering it
Pride of Detroit emphasizes the potential for the offensive line to become a top-five unit with time on task, highlighting the contributions of Sewell, Mahogany, Scruggs, Ratledge, and Miller. The Detroit Lions' mailbag discusses the possibility of pivoting to keep Scruggs at center if Mays does not perform to the expected level. The Detroit Free Press focuses on Brian Branch's potential return, with defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard expressing optimism about his performance in practice.
Why it matters
The performance of the offensive line is crucial for the Detroit Lions' success, and the competition between Mays and Scruggs could impact the team's strategy. Additionally, the return of Brian Branch could significantly improve the defense, which has been struggling with yards and points allowed.
What to watch
The Lions will face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5, followed by a bye week. The team will need to determine the starting lineup for the offensive line and assess Brian Branch's readiness for game action.
- What is the ceiling for the Lions’ OL when Cade Mays returns to the field? Pride Of Detroit
- Twentyman's Mailbag: How can Branch help Lions' defense when he returns to game action? Detroit Lions
- Lions’ Brian Branch, Cade Mays unlikely to play vs. Cardinals Pride Of Detroit
- Brian Branch looks 'unbelievable.' Could he play in Lions vs Cardinals? Detroit Free Press
- Lions expect to wait until after bye vs. Packers to unleash 2 key players Yahoo Sports
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