Detroit Lions fans are split, but the overall mood around the offensive line has a slight tilt toward optimism after Cade Mays’ injury.
That’s the takeaway from the latest SB Nation Reacts survey, sponsored by FanDuel Sportsbook, which asked fans how worried they are about the line following the news that Mays reportedly broke a small bone in his wrist last week. He is expected to miss 8-10 weeks, which would put his return on the table after the Lions’ Week 5 bye.
For now, Detroit is looking inward for answers. The team has leaned on Seth McLaughlin and Michael Niese as the next options at center while Juice Scruggs works back from a soft tissue injury. With the center spot unsettled for at least the next two months, the fan base landed in the middle - not panicked, but not exactly relaxed either.
The comment section showed that blend pretty clearly. Some fans pointed to the Lions’ offseason work up front and the coaching staff’s ability to sort through the options. Others were more uneasy, especially because the middle of the line is where everything starts.
“Moderate, and here’s why: 1) Holmes fortified the OL this offseason 2) The trade for Juice was certainly part of the plan for better interior depth, including Center 3) Seth is a formidable, award-winning Center from OSU just 2 years ago. He knows how to play the position. 4) Petzing and Hank will figure it out!”
Another fan didn’t soften it at all: “It all starts with the middle of the line. I’m very concerned.”
Some leaned on the bigger picture and the long haul of the season. “Concern level is pretty low.
A team is very unlucky to get lots of injuries; a team is very lucky to get only a few. Most teams have a fair share.
And the season is long. If the Lions are serious about being contenders, it’s how healthy they are in January that matters.”
Others were somewhere in between. “Moderately High. I’m glad the Lions have Juice Scruggs, but it’s not the same level of play.”
And one response captured the general sense that the situation is not ideal, but also not hopeless: “I’m not as worried as I thought I would be. Juice should be able to hold it down the first quarter of the season. This isn’t nearly as bad as losing Frank.”
That cautious confidence showed up again in another note from the comments: “My level of concern is moderate, due primarily to the present uncertainty around the position. Fortunately, it is still early enough in the preseason to sort out a viable solution with Juice, Tate, or McLaughlin.”
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