Entering last offseason, the Detroit Lions had to solve their problems at the center position. They did so by signing Cade Mays. But after Mays got hurt in training camp, Lions fans were left dreading a horrid offensive line start to the 2026 season.
Now, three games in, it's becoming a good problem to have.
Juice Scruggs has been dominant since taking over at C. Pro Football Focus currently has Scruggs ranked as the fourth-best C league-wide, with a 71.5 grade. His run-blocking is a significant reason why, grading out at 78.7, good for second among Cs through three weeks. His pass-blocking isn't as impressive, ranking 14th at 63.5, but collectively, Scruggs has been the huge C upgrade that Lions have needed.
What about Mays, though?
Mays is recovering from a broken wrist, and his timetable remains the same -- a return around or after the Bye in three weeks. Scruggs will have at least two more games to keep the position warm before Mays returns, and if he keeps up his current play, the team can afford to take it slow with Mays and ensure his wrist is fully at 100%.
And for left guard Christian Mahogany, he's going to need to show up during those two plus games if he wants to keep his own job beyond the Bye.
The LG competition will soon intensify
Speaking on 97.1 The Ticket on Tuesday, head coach Dan Campbell was asked if Scruggs will rejoin the LG competition once Mays returns.
"Absolutely," Campbell said without hesitation.
C may be Scruggs' more natural position, as he's historically had a rough time at guard when he was with the Houston Texans. However, players can improve. His recent high-level play at C could have unlocked something in his game that might translate over to LG when Mays does return.
READ MORE: Slow starts on offense continue to make life difficult for the Lions
That could spell bad news for Mahogany, who has already had to fend off challengers all offseason to keep his starting spot. That effort has paid off in the early going. While Mahogany did miss time, after an early Week 1 hip injury sidelined him for all of Week 2, he returned in a big way in Week 3.
Against the New York Jets on Sunday, Mahogany recorded the third-highest pass-blocking grade among all offensive linemen on PFF (88.5), which was tied with fellow Lions guard Tate Ratledge. For the season, Mahogany has a borderline elite 88.8 pass-blocking grade, second among guards, and a 79.6 overall grade.
Yes, PFF is far from a be-all-end-all, but if Week 3 is representative of Mahogany's growth, and the new-look O-line is truly beginning to gel, then Scruggs might find himself as a backup once Mays returns heading into key divisional games post-Bye. A backup who has arguably been one of the top interior linemen through three weeks.
And that's a good problem to have.
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