Dan Campbell Weighed Scruggs for Left Guard Role
The Detroit Lions are evaluating options at left guard following injuries to previous starters this season.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Football
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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Juice Scruggs is now a candidate for the starting left guard position. The team has faced instability at the spot after injuries sidelined starters Christian Mahogany and Ben Bartch.
Why it matters
The Lions are searching for consistency on the offensive line as they manage injury-related depth issues throughout the current season. Scruggs has emerged as a potential solution due to his strong performance at center over the past three weeks.
Juice Scruggs ranks as the fourth-highest graded center per Pro Football Focus through three weeks. Conversely, Ben Bartch allowed seven quarterback pressures during his single-game start at left guard.
The players
Dan Campbell
He serves as the head coach of the Detroit Lions and is responsible for managing the team's roster and starting lineup.
Juice Scruggs
He is an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions who has played center and is now being considered for the left guard position.
Christian Mahogany
He is a Detroit Lions offensive lineman who started at left guard before suffering a hip injury.
Ben Bartch
He is an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions who started at left guard in Week 2 before being sidelined by a foot injury.
Cade Mays
He is an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions who has been on injured reserve following a wrist injury during training camp.
The details
The Lions have rotated players at left guard throughout the season following a hip injury to Christian Mahogany in Week 1 and a foot injury to Ben Bartch in Week 2. Scruggs, acquired in a trade from the Houston Texans in March 2026, has been filling in at center.
Timeline
The Lions acquired Juice Scruggs via trade in March 2026.
Cade Mays sustained a right wrist fracture in August 2026.
Coach Dan Campbell addressed the lineup on September 29, 2026.
Cade Mays is expected to return from injury in October 2026.
The Detroit Lions are scheduled to play the Green Bay Packers on October 25, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This ongoing rotation at left guard reflects the team's attempt to stabilize the offensive front amid multiple injuries. Securing a reliable starter at the position is critical to maintaining the team's offensive rhythm and protecting the quarterback for the remainder of the season.
Fantasy managers should monitor Scruggs for potential changes in line assignments that could affect interior pass protection metrics. The expected return of Cade Mays in October creates further uncertainty regarding the final rotation for upcoming games.
The takeaway
Developing depth across the offensive line is essential for teams facing an accumulation of early-season injuries. Flexibility in player positioning allows coaches to leverage high-performing reserves while waiting for starters to return to health.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit Football.
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