The clock in Allen Park has stopped ticking toward a hypothetical solution and started screaming at a very specific, very urgent deadline. With the 53-man roster cutdown less than two weeks away, the Detroit Lions are no longer just evaluating their young interior; they are actively hunting for a veteran answer to a sudden crisis.
The catalyst for this scramble is the sudden silence surrounding Ben Bartch. The veteran guard, who had been the primary internal candidate to start at left guard, has landed in concussion protocol. The team is left staring at a starting spot that could be vacant for the season opener, a scenario that threatens to derail the entire offensive line’s cohesion just as the regular season approaches.
The Veteran Hunt And The Tomlinson Factor
The Lions’ response to Bartch’s absence was swift and aggressive, signaling a shift from development to immediate survival. The organization hosted tryouts for two veteran guards, a move that highlights the desperation and the high stakes involved. The most notable name in the mix is Laken Tomlinson, a former first-round pick by Detroit back in 2015. Tomlinson brings a resume that includes 162 career starts and a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, offering a level of experience the current roster sorely lacks. However, the 34-year-old is coming off a difficult 2025 season with the Houston Texans, where injuries limited him to just seven games before his release.
While Tomlinson’s body of work is impressive, his recent history raises questions about his ability to withstand a full NFL campaign. The Lions are essentially betting on his high floor and familiarity with the system, but the risk of a 34-year-old coming off a torn ACL and hip/knee injuries is significant. The tryout was a clear signal that the front office is willing to gamble on a known commodity from their past to stabilize a position that has become a liability. As Pride of Detroit reported on the tryouts, the team is looking to see if Tomlinson can still bring “a boat-load of experience” to a very young room, but the clock is ticking on whether his body can hold up.
The second veteran in the mix, Will Hernandez, offers a different kind of value. The former second-round pick spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he played under new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Hernandez brings 98 career starts and extensive familiarity with the scheme Petzing plans to run, having started 42 games for the Cardinals over the last four years. However, Hernandez has been hamstrung by injuries as well, dealing with a torn ACL in 2024 and a hip/knee issue that limited him to seven games in 2025. The Lions are essentially hoping that the familiarity with Petzing’s system and the presence of a veteran presence can bridge the gap until the young players develop, but the injury history of both candidates suggests this is a short-term fix at best.
The Youth Movement And The Center Shuffle
While the front office scrambles for veteran help, the Lions are simultaneously trying to find answers from within their own young ranks. The center position remains a gaping hole, with Cade Mays sidelined by injury and the competition between Juice Scruggs and Seth McLaughlin heating up. Scruggs, acquired in a trade for David Montgomery, has returned to practice after missing time with a soft tissue injury, but his performance has been inconsistent. During a recent scrimmage, Scruggs was involved in a botched snap exchange that derailed the first drive, and he has struggled with consistency in practice.
The situation is complicated by the fact that the Lions are essentially trying two different players at the same position in a short window. Tate Ratledge, who has been impressive at right guard, has also taken reps at center, adding another variable to the equation. The team needs a reliable snapper and a leader for the offensive line, and the current options are unproven in a high-stakes environment. As MLive noted in their analysis, the offseason trade acquisition looks like the best bet to be Detroit’s fill-in center, but the consistency has yet to be proven. The Lions are relying on the development of these young players to keep the offense afloat, but the margin for error is non-existent.
The center competition is not just about individual performance; it is about the entire offensive line’s chemistry. The linemen need to communicate, adjust to stunts, and execute complex blocking schemes without hesitation. If the center cannot handle the snapping or the protections, the entire unit collapses. The Lions are hoping that Scruggs can find his rhythm and provide the stability needed for the first unit, but the recent practice struggles suggest that the team might need to look elsewhere for a long-term solution. The tryouts for Tomlinson and Hernandez could be a sign that the Lions are preparing for the possibility that none of their current internal options can handle the starting job.
The Secondary’s Injury Bug And Rakestraw’s Struggles
While the offensive line is the immediate crisis, the secondary is facing its own set of challenges. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. who has shown flashes of brilliance this camp, has been hit by another injury. He exited practice early to be evaluated for a potential lower leg injury, adding to the list of concerns for the defensive backs. Rakestraw has been a bright spot in a secondary that lost Terrion Arnold to release and is now dealing with the absence of key veterans.
The Lions’ secondary depth is being tested like never before. With Rakestraw potentially out, the team will need to rely on younger players and veterans who have not seen significant playing time. The situation is further complicated by the injury to Brian Branch, who is expected to miss the start of the season. The Lions are hoping that Rakestraw can return quickly, but the injury bug has been relentless. As MLive reported on the injury, Rakestraw had to get checked out for a potential lower leg injury on Thursday, and the team is waiting on the results.
The secondary’s struggles are not just about individual players; it is about the entire defensive unit’s ability to cover the opposing receivers. The Lions’ defense relies on a strong secondary to protect the front four, and any weakness in that unit can be exploited by opposing quarterbacks. The Lions are hoping that their young cornerbacks can step up and fill the void, but the injury to Rakestraw is a significant blow. The team needs to find a way to stabilize the secondary before the regular season begins, or they risk facing a long season of defensive struggles.
The Front Office’s High-Stakes Calculus
The Lions’ front office is facing a series of high-stakes decisions in the coming weeks. The tryouts for Tomlinson and Hernandez are just one example of the team’s aggressive approach to roster building. The Lions are willing to take risks on veterans to fill immediate needs, but they are also looking for long-term solutions. The team’s general manager, Brad Holmes, has been praised for his ability to find value in the draft and free agency, and the team is hoping that this approach will continue to pay off.
The front office is also dealing with the salary cap implications of these moves. The Lions are operating under a tight cap, and every dollar counts. The team is hoping that the tryouts will lead to a signing that provides value without breaking the bank. The Lions are also looking for players who can contribute in multiple ways, including special teams and depth roles. The front office is hoping that their aggressive approach will lead to a strong roster and a successful season. As Pride of Detroit reported on the tryouts, the team is looking to see if Tomlinson can still bring “a boat-load of experience” to a very young room, but the clock is ticking on whether his body can hold up.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
