Lions C Cade Mays To Miss Time

Head coach Dan Campbell said on Monday that center Cade Mays is dealing with a wrist injury. A “significant” period of time on the sidelines is now in store, per Campbell (h/t Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press). A return at some point during the regular season is anticipated.

With respect to a timeline, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Mays suffered a fracture in his wrist. A recovery period of eight to 10 weeks is expected, he adds. That stretch would include missed time during the regular season but it would allow for a return to action midway through the campaign. In the meantime, Detroit’s offensive line will be shorthanded.

Frank Ragnow retired ahead of the 2025 season before making an unsuccessful attempt to return. The longtime Lions center is set to remain out of the picture moving forward. Mays was set to handle starting duties at that spot for 2026 and beyond thanks to the three-year, $25MM pact he signed on the open market this spring. The 27-year-old’s debut with his new team will now be delayed, though.

The Lions will have Penei Sewell at left tackle moving forward, while the right tackle spot is likely to be manned right away by first-round rookie Blake Miller. Tate Ratledge is in expected to remain atop the depth chart regarding right guard duties, although the Mays signing was key in ensuring a move to center would not be necessary in his case. For at least a short period in the fall, that setup may need to change. The left guard spot is an open competition as the preseason approaches.

Mays totaled 27 starts across 52 appearances while playing out his rookie contract with the Panthers. The former sixth-rounder was among the top interior blockers to hit the open market this spring, and it came as no surprise when he landed a multiyear pact in free agency. Expectations will be high in his case upon returning to the field, but Mays will not be available for the start of the season.