Not so long ago, Frank Ragnow's shocking retirement put the Detroit Lions in a tough spot. Now, a full year later, Cade Mays' freak hand injury might feel like deja vú, as Dan Campbell's team is facing a familiar problem.
Last year, the Lions flirted with the idea of moving rookie right guard Tate Ratledge to center. Ultimately, they turned to veteran Graham Glasgow for help at the position, but they no longer have that option.
That's why they're once again toying with the idea, according to Lions insider Erik Schlitt. With Mays nursing an injury through the first stretch of the campaign, Ratledge is getting some work in the middle of the offensive line.
The Lions remain unsettled in the offensive line
"Tate Ratledge stepped in at center with Christian Mahogany shifting from left to right guard to accommodate for Ben Bartch at left guard. With this combination, they could see where Ratledge is at in his development at center, make room for Bartch to get reps with the first team, and give Mahogany some looks from the right side," wrote Schlitt.
While this makes sense to a degree, the Lions are also playing with fire. They used to hang their hat on their sturdy offensive line, and shaking things up this much can backfire. At worst, they'll need some time to adjust and mesh together.
The Lions released Taylor Decker after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal. That led to them using their first-round pick on Clemson rookie Blake Miller, who's reportedly had an up-and-down camp but might still be in line to start.
That also forced their hand to move Penei Sewell to the left side. That should be a seamless transition for someone who was a prime blindside protector before entering the league, but it still takes a big adjustment for everyone else when the best right tackle in the game is no longer where he used to be.
Dominating in the trenches is the key to playing winning football. Jared Goff has never been — and will never be — the most mobile guy out there, but he's proven to be one of the most accurate three-level passers in the game when given a clean pocket.
As for the running game, they just spent big bucks to make Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in professional football, so they must also do their part in the interior of the line to get a strong return on that investment.
Ratledge is incredibly talented and athletic, but he was a bit of a mixed bag as a rookie, and he's still learning the ropes of the pros. While he can technically play center, moving him around might be a big ask, given his lack of experience.
That said, with no proven option at center and Mays out for a while, the Lions may not have much of a choice. They don't seem too high on Juice Scruggs; otherwise, he wouldn't split reps with the second-year guard, and they may have to make a trade if Ratledge doesn't look the part at center.
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