Detroit Lions center Cade Mays sidelined 8-10 weeks with wrist fracture

Detroit Lions center Cade Mays is expected to miss eight to ten weeks after sustaining a wrist fracture during training camp, a significant blow to the player the team signed in free agency to anchor its revamped offensive line. Mays fractured a small bone in his wrist during a practice drill, according to multiple reports. Head coach Dan Campbell called the injury important but said the organization anticipates Mays will return later in the season. The projected timetable would likely keep him out for the season opener, contingent on his recovery progress. The Lions agreed to a three‑year, $25 million contract with Mays in March after he completed 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, bringing his career totals to 52 games played and 27 starts. Detroit viewed Mays as a key addition following the retirement of longtime center Frank Ragnow after the 2025 campaign. With Mays sidelined, Detroit will look to its depth at the center position. Juice Scruggs is among the leading candidates, though he is presently managing a soft‑tissue injury. Seth McLaughlin, Michael Niese and defensive lineman Tate Ratledge could also see opportunities as the Lions work to finalize their starting offensive line before the regular season begins. Detroit opens the regular season on September 13 against the New Orleans Saints, giving Mays roughly a month to recover if the anticipated improvement schedule holds. His absence will force the Lions to adjust a position they specifically targeted in the offseason, although the club retains several options to fill the role until its new starting center is healthy enough to return.