Cade Mays misses Lions' next two games with ankle sprain

Cade Mays is set to miss at least two more weeks of action after suffering a high-ankle sprain during Detroit Lions' Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared the update on Tuesday, noting the offensive lineman's return timeline could stretch until Week 5. The Lions already placed Mays on injured reserve last week, meaning his three-game absence is official — but the new details suggest he may not be ready even after that stint concludes. High-ankle sprains heal slowly because the ligaments above the ankle joint take longer to stabilize, especially in a 300-pound lineman who relies on lower-body power and leverage in pass protection. Detroit’s offensive line has struggled without key starters this season, and Mays’ absence compounds depth issues after injuries to Taylor Decker and Jack Campbell.

The Lions drafted Mays in the seventh round last year out of Tennessee, where he started 38 games at left tackle. He earned his first NFL start in Week 1 of this season before getting hurt. The team activated him from IR this week but left him inactive for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has juggled the line all season, using six different starting combinations through four games. Detroit currently ranks 29th in sacks allowed and 30th in pressure rate allowed, per Pro Football Focus. A healthy Mays could stabilize the right guard spot, where he played last year.

Rapoport’s timeline suggests Mays won’t return until at least the Lions’ Week 5 game against the Carolina Panthers on October 6. Even then, his participation may be limited to special teams or short-yardage situations as he ramps up. The Lions have leaned on veterans like Graham Glasgow and Dan Skipper to fill gaps, but neither offers the same athleticism or experience. Detroit’s next five opponents include three playoff contenders from 2023, increasing the urgency for offensive line stability. If Mays isn’t ready by Week 5, his recovery becomes a season-long concern — especially with free agency looming next year and the Lions already projected to exceed the salary cap.