Cade Mays lands on IR to start season; explaining when he can return
Cade Mays will begin his first season with the Lions on injured reserve.
The Detroit Lions have placed center Cade Mays on injured reserve with the intention of him returning to the team. Mays suffered a wrist injury that has sidelined him for an extended period, with coach Dan Campbell estimating that he will miss at least the first four games of the 2026 regular season. The Lions are permitted to have two players on injured reserve who can return, and this designation for Mays does not affect the team's 53-man roster limit.
While the initial report suggested he could return in four to six weeks, Mays' inclusion on the IR list pushes his earliest return to Week 5. Detroit's bye week in Week 6 may prompt the team to delay his return to ensure a full recovery, even if his progress is positive. Meanwhile, the Lions are expected to give starting center duties to rookie Juice Scruggs, acquired from the Houston Texans in a trade for running back David Montgomery, in Week 1.
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