Detroit Lions to start Cade Mays vs. Green Bay Packers

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced that center Cade Mays will start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Campbell praised Mays' performance during the week and explained that the decision to start him was primarily about avoiding excessive rotation. Mays suffered a broken right wrist in training camp but returned to practice on October 7.

The Lions signed Mays to a three-year, $25 million deal in March. In the absence of Mays, starting center Juice Scruggs has been exceptional, earning the second-best grade among NFL centers according to Pro Football Focus. Both Scruggs and Mays were acquired as part of the David Montgomery trade. Campbell emphasized that the Lions want to minimize center rotation due to the position's unique demands, such as constant contact with the ball.

Scruggs supported whatever decision the coaching staff made, stating that the team prioritizes teamwork over individual egos. The Lions have prioritized offensive line play and depth as key areas of focus in the offseason, with both guards starting Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge performing strongly.