Lions 2026 Training Camp Medical Preview: Interior Offensive Line

An upgraded interior could do wonders for the Lions offense

Jul 16, 2026

∙ Paid

It was the interior offensive line that was the primary culprit for the Detroit Lions’ disappointing 2025 season. A surprise center retirement and two inexperienced guards led to missed assignments and quick pressures up the middle.

The good news going forward is there should be a significant improvement in play for 2026. Both guards added a full year of NFL experience, and the Lions added a healthy, young, starting center.

The medical concerns for the starters look very favorable heading into camp. Hopefully, they can stay healthy as the backups carry significant injury concerns.

🟢0-3 Low medical concern
🟡4-6 Moderate medical concern
🔴7-10 High medical concern

(Age at start of season in parentheses.) Click on player name for full medical report if available.

PROJECTED STARTERS

🟢Cade Mays (27)

Medical concern level: 1/10

Mays missed three games last year with an ankle, but has been overall healthy and reliable in his NFL career.

OUTLOOK: Mays will be counted on to be the long-term replacement for Frank Ragnow at center.

🟢Tate Ratledge (25)

Medical concern level: 2/10

As a rookie, he didn’t miss a game, but there were signs of a possible neck issue. That will be something to watch in 2026.

OUTLOOK: Ratledge is firmly established as the starting RG.

🟢Christian Mahogany (25)

Medical concern level 1/10

A fibula fracture last season cost him six games, but there are no concerns for residuals. He also has a history of a right ACL tear and mono.

OUTLOOK: The Lions have liked Mahogany since his rookie season when he quickly became the primary OG backup. His injury last season may have been an underrated factor down the stretch. Expect him to start at LG for the second straight season.

PROJECTED BACKUPS

🟡Miles Frazier (25)

Medical concern level: 4/10

As a rookie last season, Frazier missed multiple months with an unspecified knee injury, which raises some concern. Reassuringly, he looked healthy in limited action over the final five games and has been healthy this offseason.

OUTLOOK: The Lions probably are hoping this young, former 5th-rounder can become the primary OG backup. He is in just the second year of his inexpensive, 4-year rookie contract.

🔴Ben Bartch (28)

Medical concern level: 9/10

A Lisfranc ended his 2025 season, and he wasn’t ready to participate this offseason at all.

OUTLOOK: If healthy, Bartch likely makes the roster. However, health uncertainty could cause the Lions to go with someone more reliable.

🟢Michael Niese (28)

Medical concern level: 0/10

Niese has been with the Lions the past three seasons and has played in 26 games over that span. I have no record of any injuries during that time.

OUTLOOK: The Lions keep bringing Niese back which means they like him. His long-term experience with the team may help him win a backup job.

🟡Juice Scruggs (26)

Medical concern level: 5/10

There is a significant history of a foot injury and a fractured L3 vertebrae, but Scruggs was healthy in 2025. He came over from the Texans in the David Montgomery trade.

OUTLOOK: The Lions clearly saw something they liked in Scruggs since they traded for him. That suggests he has a good chance to make the roster.

🟢Melvin Priestly (22)