Juice Scruggs Emerges as Lions’ Starting Center After Montgomery Trade

When the Lions acquired Juice Scruggs from the Texans in March as part of the trade that sent running back David Montgomery to Houston, he was largely viewed as a secondary piece alongside the fourth- and seventh-round draft picks Detroit received.

Scruggs had not developed as expected after Houston selected him in the second round in 2023, and many assumed he would simply be competing for a spot on the Lions’ roster.

Instead, Scruggs is set to start at center Sunday against the Saints.

For much of the offseason, Scruggs worked primarily at guard rather than center. That changed after Cade Mays, who had been expected to open the season as Detroit’s starting center, suffered a wrist injury a month ago and was placed on injured reserve.

Scruggs has since adjusted to becoming the Lions’ No. 1 center, even though it was not the role many projected for him when he arrived.

“A lot more comfortable, for sure. Things have slowed down. When I got thrown in at center at first it was like, kind of overwhelming, but I’m definitely feeling more comfortable and ready to play for sure,” Scruggs said. “You’ve just got to be ready. You never know when your number is going to get called, so you prepare like a starter, always.”

While Scruggs played mostly guard during his time with the Texans, he also started eight games at center. He is not unfamiliar with the position, but his path to the starting job in Detroit has been unexpected.

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