The Detroit Lions‘ battle for the starting center position might have ended before it ever really started. Whether it be the words of Dan Campbell, the actions of the coaching staff in the preseason, or the reaction from the Lions’ second preseason game, all indications point to Juice Scruggs being the Lions’ starting center.
The team initially tried Seth McLaughlin at center, and he fared well. However, he started because Scruggs was out of the lineup. Once Scruggs returned, he was getting almost all of the first-team work.
Juice Scruggs Locking Down Detroit Lions Starting Center
GettyJuice Scruggs #70
When asked about the Lions starting center competition before the second preseason game, Campbell noted the experience Scruggs has at center as a key reason he will get the first chance. He noted Tate Ratledge sliding over in an emergency scenario before bringing up McLaughlin.
“There’s a reason we got Juice in this trade,” Campbell told Brad Galli. “Juice has played in this league, and he’s played a lot of center snaps. He’s played guard too, but center really, really suits him.”
In the second preseason game, Scruggs played 15 snaps, and McLaughlin played 52 snaps. However, starters Christian Mahogany, Blake Miller, Tate Ratledge, and even Larry Borom, who filled in for Penei Sewell, played 15 snaps.
Scruggs was given the starter treatment, while McLaughlin was given the treatment of a player who needs experience to prove he belongs in the NFL.
So far in the preseason, McLaughlin has 91 snaps and a 54.5 PFF grade. Meanwhile, Scruggs has 15 snaps and a 58.7 grade. He is being trusted more and performing better.
Film Review Leans to Lions Starting Scruggs
Anthony Balaj of Pride of Detroit did a film review of Scruggs, and after watching McLaughlin in comparison, his takeaway was clear. The team will be starting Scruggs.
“Juice Scruggs made his case on Saturday afternoon against the Washington Commanders in the Lions’ second game of the 2026 preseason,” wrote Balaj. “Despite some promising play from Seth McLaughlin in training camp, the competition may be over.”
Nate Tice from Yahoo Sports largely agreed. He noted that if the Lions find ways to use him right, they will get the most out of him.
Like him better on Gap and Duo run concepts where he can use his size rather than on zone runs.
“I thought Juice Scruggs (#70) had a nice showing in his first preseason action at Center for the Lions,” tweeted Tice. “Was sturdy and played with a good base in the run game & pass protection. Like him better on Gap and Duo run concepts where he can use his size rather than on zone runs.”
The Lions have been searching for a starter since their expected starter Cade Mays went down with a wrist injury that will extend into the 2026 regular season. The Lions acquired Scruggs from the Houston Texans along with a couple of draft picks for David Montgomery.
Montgomery looked like the big name in the deal, but if the Lions can walk away with draft capital and a replacement center for the time being, it is going to be viewed as a huge win for the team.
Scruggs has earned the starting job. Now he is going to have to continue to hold it down as McLaughlin progresses and Mays gets healthy.
Lions Newcomer Takes Control of Starting Job