After arriving in David Montgomery trade, Juice Scruggs is Lions' starting center

Published September 12, 2026 05:31 AM When the Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Texans in March, Juice Scruggs was viewed as mostly a throw-in along with the fourth-round pick and seventh-round pick Houston had sent to Detroit. Scruggs was a disappointment as a 2023 second-round pick of the Texans, and he was expected to have to compete just to make the Lions’ roster.Instead, Scruggs will be the Lions’ starting center on Sunday against the Saints.Scruggs was working more at guard than center for most of the offseason, but Cade Mays, who was expected to start at center, injured his wrist a month ago. Mays is now on injured reserve, and Scruggs said he’s getting used to his role as the No. 1 center even if it wasn’t a role he was expected to play.“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.”Although Scruggs played mostly guard for the Texans, he did start eight games at center, so he’s not new to his position. Even if he’s new in Detroit, and playing a part few saw him playing when he arrived in the Montgomery trade.