Seth McLaughlin takes center stage for Lions in preseason opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 1:44 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026

Seth McLaughlin gets a critical opportunity to audition for the Lions’ starting center position during their preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals tonight. Cade Mays is sidelined with a fractured wrist, creating the opening for McLaughlin, who previously played at Alabama and Ohio State. Coach Dan Campbell emphasized the importance of this audition as the Lions search for a reliable solution along the offensive line. McLaughlin must demonstrate clean snaps, communicate effectively, and hold his ground against a strong Bengals defensive front, which includes starters like Joe Burrow for a limited number of series.
- •McLaughlin's first significant chance with the Lions comes against his former team.
- •Mays will miss 8 to 10 weeks due to a wrist injury.
- •Campbell expects McLaughlin to face Cincinnati's starters for a true evaluation.
- •Preseason game provides a rare competitive test for the Lions' reserves.
- 1:44 PMYahoo Sports — Detroit Lions’ Most Important Preseason Audition Starts Tonight
"Cade Mays’ wrist injury created an unexpected crisis in the middle of Detroit’s offensive line. Seth McLaughlin now gets a career-changing opportunity to show the Lions they already have their solution.
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