Lions Center Suffers 'Significant' Wrist Fracture Before Preseason Opener

The Detroit Lions have suffered another injury setback just before their preseason opener on Thursday. Head coach Dan Campbell revealed that center Cade Mays sustained a significant wrist fracture during practice on Monday. Campbell characterized the injury as a freak accident that occurred during a protection rep, when a defensive lineman made an arm-over move and struck Mays.

Mays, who is expected to be out for 8-10 weeks, is a rookie with the Lions after signing a three-year contract in March. Prior to Detroit, Mays played for the Carolina Panthers (2022-25) and trained with the New York Giants' practice squad in 2024. The Lions signed Mays with the intention of having him as their long-term center following Frank Ragnow's retirement last season.

Currently, the Lions have options such as Juice Scruggs, Seth McLaughlin, Michael Niese, and Tate Ratledge, all of whom could serve as temporary replacements for Mays. Scruggs is recovering from a soft-tissue injury, while Ratledge is expected to start at right guard but could fill in at center if needed.