Will Juice Scruggs start for Lions? How former Texans OL factors into Detroit's plans

The Detroit Lions got themselves quite a haul for David Montgomery in a trade with the Houston Texans.

According to reports, the Lions are getting two draft picks (a fourth-rounder and seventh-rounder) and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs.

A former second-round pick of the Texans in 2023, Scruggs has appeared in 37 games over three seasons, starting in 20 of them.

But is a starting role in Scruggs' future in Detroit?

Will Juice Scruggs start for Lions?

We would be surprised if this is the case.

Scruggs has been a disappointment during his career in Houston, and so much so he was relegated to a backup job in 2025 after being a starter in 2023 and 2024.

What Scruggs does offer is a fantastic depth option thanks to his ability to play three different positions upfront.

Scruggs has played snaps at both guard spots (194 at right guard, 950 at left guard) and center (568 snaps) in his three-year stint in the NFL.

Guard and center are the biggest question marks for Detroit upfront, as it remains to be seen if the Lions will deploy Tate Ratledge at guard or center, and Graham Glasgow, who played center in 2025, is a clear cut candidate.

One way or the other, it's fair to assume Detroit will sign a free agent at one of those spots, and Scruggs is could be the main backup for Ratledge, Christian Mahogany and whoever the Lions bring in to play guard or center.

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