The Detroit Lions (2-1) grabbed their second win of the season on Sunday, bouncing back from their first loss of the season with a 31-24 win over the New York Jets (1-2).
As Detroit navigates the start of its 2026 season, the Lions
have been without several key injured stars. That group includes center Cade Mays, who signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Lions this offseason. Mays was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return after suffering a broken right wrist in training camp.On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell commented on Mays' potential return timeline. After the Lions' Week 4 date at the Carolina Panthers (1-2), Mays would be eligible to open his 21-day return window. Campbell said the Lions are eyeing a return for
Mays after its Week 6 bye. The Lions host the Green Bay Packers (1-2) on Oct. 25 in Week 7.
Coach Campbell on Cade Mays' return timeline pic.twitter.com/Grm4WRfwXC
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 28, 2026
"I think it would be a tall order for him this week. I know he wants to play, but I think he's trending the right way, he's doing well, but I think that would be a tall task to have him for this week.
"He'll be ready to play in the bye week. Who we playing? You tell me. No, I don't know. He's trending (that way). That was kind of always the goal was, man, can we get him after the bye? And he's doing a good job right now, but I don't want to put a timetable just yet on it," Campbell said.
The Lions have scored 31 points in all three games this season. On Sunday, though, the Lions' offensive line and Detroit's running game looked more like what head coach Dan Campbell and the organization wants it to look like.
Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 99 yards and a pair of scores as the Lions outrushed New York, 131-58.
Center Juice Scruggs has been a pivotal part of that equation as he's filled in for Mays.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions injury update: Dan Campbell talks Cade Mays' return timeline
