Cade Mays is set to make his first start at center for the Detroit Lions this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, ending a weeks-long competition with Juice Scruggs. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the decision after observing Mays return to full practice, stating the team wants to “rip this Band-Aid off” and get their high-priced investment on the field. While Scruggs has performed admirably since Mays fractured his wrist in training camp, the coaching staff views the center position as requiring a single voice for the entire offensive line to maintain timing and communication.
No Rotation at Pivot
Campbell praised Scruggs for his “hell of a job” filling the void but made it clear that rotating players at the pivot would disrupt the offensive operation more than it would help. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing echoed the sentiment, highlighting Mays’ intelligence and physicality as key factors in the decision. The move restores the intended starting lineup for a divisional matchup where the Lions must secure their first win of the season to keep pace in the NFC North.
LaPorta Clarifies Contract Frustration
Tight end Sam LaPorta met with the media to clarify his recent comments about his contract situation, insisting he does not regret expressing frustration over the stalled negotiations. LaPorta explained that his emotional outburst on a popular podcast stemmed from a desire for security for his family, noting that he and his wife are expecting their first child in Metro Detroit. He emphasized that he wants to play for the Lions and believes his teammates support him, but he also feels he deserves compensation comparable to other elite tight ends in the league.
Trade Speculation Intensifies
Despite the clarification, the situation has intensified speculation that the Lions could trade LaPorta before the November 10 deadline, with reports suggesting a divisional rival like the Chicago Bears could be a potential landing spot. LaPorta stated he does not expect everyone to understand his position, acknowledging that he is a “ginormous cog” in a large machine, but he remains focused on the upcoming game. The contract standoff adds a layer of uncertainty to an offense that has been one of the most productive in the league, with LaPorta currently ranking second on the team in receiving yards.
Head coach Dan Campbell grew visibly frustrated during Friday’s press conference when reporters continued to press on the LaPorta situation, arguing that the constant questioning was creating the very distraction the team has tried to avoid. Campbell reiterated that LaPorta has been “locked in” throughout the week and that the internal environment remains focused on the Green Bay game. He stated that while the external world views the contract talk as a distraction, inside the building, the player is ready to play and the team is ready to use him.
Team Focuses on Packers
Campbell left the podium abruptly after refusing to answer further questions about whether LaPorta regretted his comments, signaling that the staff will not allow off-field business to derail on-field preparation. This stance comes as the Lions sit at 3-2 and face a Packers team that is 4-2, making the need for a clean mental slate paramount for the upcoming Sunday afternoon contest.
Roster Returns to Full Health
The Lions entered their final practice before Sunday’s game with all 51 active roster players participating, including Cade Mays and Brian Branch who are expected to be activated from injured lists. While Mays is cleared to start at center, the coaching staff plans to manage Branch’s snap count carefully as he returns from an Achilles injury, viewing his usage as a “feel thing” rather than setting a hard limit.
The Lions’ health stands in stark contrast to the Packers, who have ruled out defensive captain Zaire Franklin for the game after he suffered a shin injury during practice. Packers running back Josh Jacobs also returned to full practice for the first time this season, signaling his availability to face a Lions run defense that has allowed opponents to convert 29 percent of their rushing attempts. The return of Franklin’s replacement and Jacobs’ potential impact presents a new challenge for Detroit’s front seven, which has been dominant in pass rush but has shown inconsistency against the run.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
