Center Cade Mays is reportedly dealing with a low-ankle sprain, and the Detroit Lions aren’t expecting him on the field this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. This news drops just as coach Dan Campbell made his weekly radio appearance on 97.1 The Ticket’s “Costa & Jansen with Heather” show, dishing on a bunch of personnel updates amid mounting injuries.
Juice Scruggs Steps Up, But What About Mays’ Starting Spot?
So, with Mays potentially sidelined, Detroit is getting backup Juice Scruggs ready to play at center this week. Campbell pretty much confirmed it, saying, “As of right now, he’s our guy, because I don’t see Cade practicing Wednesday and he might not Thursday. So we’re going to get Juice ready to go here.”
Here’s where it gets spicy though. Scruggs replaced Mays on Sunday against the Vikings, and the offense seemed to turn a corner. You’d think that would spark a starting center competition once Mays is healthy, right? Campbell was asked straight up if there’s a competition, and his answer? “Well, I can’t say that right now.” That’s the kind of quote that sends shivers down a fan’s spine, isn’t it? He *can’t say* there’s no competition. It sure sounds like the door is open. Campbell couldn’t help but gush about Scruggs’ performance against a tough Vikings defense, especially since he mostly took mental reps at center all week. “What I would say is that Juice came in and played very well,” Campbell stated. “He took the mental reps this week, he got a couple live, but really it was more mental at center, and to get thrust back in there against that defense with everything that they were doing, to have that production, I mean, that was impressive. He was locked in. He was so ready to go.”
Kerby Joseph Still Sidelined, Other Updates Lean
On the defensive side, safety Kerby Joseph is still ramping up from a knee injury that’s kept him out for over a year. He’s now in his second week of practice, getting more team reps, but Campbell has already ruled him out for the Dolphins game. “We’re going to try and give him some scout team reps. He’s not going to play this game,” Campbell said. “I know that (question) was coming. He’s not playing vs. Miami. He’s just going to get some reps in practice.” It’s still unclear when we’ll actually see Joseph back in game action.
As for other injuries, updates were pretty slim. Linebacker Jack Campbell is “improving,” which is something, we guess? There were no real substantive updates on D.J. Reed (hip), D.J. Wonnum (concussion), Brian Branch (concussion), or Jacob Saylors (neck). The coach did mention he doesn’t believe Reed or Saylors will even practice on Wednesday.
The Lions are heading into Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins with some big questions, especially down the middle of the offensive line and in the secondary. With Scruggs getting the nod and that intriguing comment from Campbell about Mays’ potential competition, every snap this weekend will be under the microscope. Plus, we’re all still waiting to see when Joseph can *actually* get back on the field and boost that defense.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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