ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions center Cade Mays will miss significant time after suffering a wrist injury in training camp, but coach Dan Campbell said he expects Mays to return later this season.
Mays suffered the injury during a protection drill when a defensive lineman made an arm-over move and struck his arm, Campbell said.
Recommended Videos
“It’s one of those freak things,” Campbell said.
Mays, who signed a three-year, $25 million contract with Detroit this offseason, was brought in to help stabilize the Lions’ offensive line after the retirement of center Frank Ragnow.
Mays had been making progress throughout training camp, Campbell said.
“I felt like he was having a good camp and he had grown so much in our system just since spring,” Campbell said.
Campbell did not provide a specific timetable for Mays’ return but said the injury will keep him out for a while.
He added that he feels confident Mays will be ready for the playoffs.
Mays’ absence opens the door for several players to compete for the center position.
Seth McLaughlin is expected to receive significant opportunities, including first-team reps, while Michael Niese also has experience at the position.
Juice Scruggs is another candidate, although Campbell said Scruggs is currently dealing with a soft-tissue injury and will need a few more days before returning.
Tate Ratledge also will work at center to give the Lions another option if needed.
“We’ve got options,” Campbell said. “It’s the hand you’re dealt, and you move on.”
Campbell said the Lions’ goal is to identify their best five offensive linemen and determine where each player fits before the season begins.
“We will find the best five,” Campbell said.
Campbell encouraged by Blake Miller
Campbell also offered an encouraging assessment of rookie offensive tackle Blake Miller, the Lions’ first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Campbell said Miller has shown the consistency and demeanor the team expected from him, even while facing difficult competition in practice.
“He does not get too high. He does not get too low,” Campbell said.
Miller has spent much of camp going against Lions edge rusher and Michigan Wolverines legend Aidan Hutchinson, which Campbell said should accelerate the rookie’s development.
Campbell acknowledged that Miller has experienced some ups and downs, particularly in pass protection, but said he remains confident in the young tackle.
“I am not discouraged. Not one bit,” Campbell said. “He will come out of this, and he’s going to be a better player because of it.”
Campbell said the Lions plan to give Miller plenty of reps as they determine whether he is ready to be their starting right tackle in Week 1.
If Miller needs more time, Campbell said veteran Larry Borom has been having a good camp and remains an option.
Miller is expected to play in Detroit’s preseason game Thursday, according to Campbell.
Pacheco expected to be ready for season
Campbell also provided an update on running back Isiah Pacheco, who has missed several practices with an MCL sprain.
Campbell said the Lions feel good about Pacheco being ready for the regular-season opener.
Pacheco joined Detroit this offseason after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pacheco’s absence has created additional opportunities for Jacob Saylors and Jabari Small.
Campbell said the two young running backs have been competing closely during camp.
“Those two guys are just jockeying with each other right now,” Campbell said.
Campbell said special teams work also will be important in determining how the running backs fit into the roster.
Lions continuing to evaluate roster
Campbell said the Lions were pleased with what they learned during four consecutive padded practices last week and expect to continue making personnel adjustments.
The team also recently brought veteran defensive back Trevon Diggs in for a workout.
Campbell said Detroit remains interested in finding ways to improve competition at every position.
“We’re always looking to upgrade the competition,” Campbell said.
At tight end, Campbell said Jackson Meeks has impressed after moving from wide receiver.
Campbell described Meeks as a “big skill” player whose athleticism, speed and ability to separate have stood out since moving inside.
He also said Meeks has shown promise on special teams.
“He’s got an opportunity,” Campbell said.
The Lions are scheduled to play their first preseason game Thursday (Aug. 13) as the coaching staff continues evaluating the roster and determining how injuries and emerging players will shape the team heading into the regular season.