Detroit Lions center Cade Mays is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks after suffering a wrist injury during training camp, dealing a significant setback to a player the team signed in free agency to anchor its revamped offensive line.
Mays fractured a small bone in his wrist during a protection play, according to reports. Lions head coach Dan Campbell described the injury as significant but said the team expects Mays to return during the season. The timetable would likely keep Mays out for the opening portion of the regular season, depending on his recovery.
Detroit signed Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract in March after he spent his first four NFL seasons with the Carolina Panthers. The 26-year-old appeared in 14 games and made 12 starts for Carolina last season, and he has played in 52 career games with 27 starts. The Lions viewed him as an important addition after longtime center Frank Ragnow retired following the 2025 season.
With Mays sidelined, Detroit will turn to its depth at center. Juice Scruggs is among the leading candidates, although he is currently dealing with a soft-tissue injury. Seth McLaughlin, Michael Niese and guard Tate Ratledge also could receive opportunities at the position as the Lions work to determine their starting offensive line before the regular season.
The Lions open the regular season Sept. 13 against the New Orleans Saints, giving Mays roughly a month before the opener if the projected recovery timetable holds. His absence will force Detroit to adjust a position it specifically targeted in the offseason, though the team has several options to fill the role until its new starting center is able to return.
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