The Detroit Lions were back in pads on Sunday for their 13th training camp practice of the 2026 preseason, and while some injured players like Juice Scruggs and Derrick Moore hit the field, an offensive line shuffle quickly exposed some major vulnerabilities. Scruggs and Tate Ratledge split reps at center, and when the interior line combination changed, the difference in performance was drastic.
Offensive Line Chaos Unfolds
Juice Scruggs made his first appearance in pads, returning from a soft-tissue injury, and the Lions were clearly playing it safe with his acclimation. He started most of the “team” series, getting crucial reps at center. However, around the halfway point, Scruggs headed to the sidelines. This wasn’t just a rest stop, though, it was a deliberate move to shake up the interior offensive line and test out some other combinations. When Scruggs exited, Tate Ratledge slid in at center. This shift also meant Christian Mahogany moved from left guard to right guard, making room for Ben Bartch to step in at left guard with the first team. The coaching staff probably wanted to see exactly where Ratledge is in his development at center, get Bartch some important reps, and check out Mahogany from a different spot.
Cohesion Crisis on Display
Honestly, the difference between the two line combinations was jarring. When Scruggs was snapping the ball, the offensive line looked solid, pretty buttoned up overall. But the moment Ratledge took over at center, everything just seemed to break down. The unit suddenly looked way more vulnerable to blitzes, and Ratledge himself botched at least two snaps. Two! You just can’t have that kind of breakdown, especially when you’re trying to gel. It’s wild because this second combination arguably puts Detroit’s five most talented linemen on the field at the same time, but the cohesion was clearly absent. It just goes to show you, talent isn’t everything. Finding the “right” combination and “fit” is absolutely crucial, and the Lions have got some serious work ahead of them.
Gibbs and Martin Bring the Juice
It wasn’t all struggles, thankfully. Jahmyr Gibbs, who’s been showcasing his running skills since ending his holdout, really flashed his pass-catching prowess on Sunday. During one-on-one drills, he was even working with the wide receivers, pulling down several impressive catches throughout the day. His highlight came on an unscripted series where he burned Derrick Barnes on a wheel route for an easy 20+ yard touchdown. Once Gibbs got the angle, his speed took over, and Jared Goff dropped a perfect pass right into his hands. That part of Gibbs’ game is definitely going to be a weapon for offensive coordinator Drew Petzing this season. And in the battle of the reserves, Tay Martin keeps making a name for himself. Coach Dan Campbell couldn’t stop raving about him after last Thursday’s game against the Bengals, saying Martin “showed up again, blocking, made a one-on-one catch, separated, special teams.” He even forced a penalty on special teams! With Jameson Williams out, Martin and Tom Kennedy were getting even more looks, and Martin definitely made the most of it.
The Lions clearly have some big decisions to make on their interior line as this training camp continues. Getting that cohesion right up front is going to be key, especially when you’ve got playmakers like Gibbs ready to make a huge impact.
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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