Tim Twentyman

Veteran interior offensive linemanGraham Glasgowmade the ultimate team sacrifice for the Detroit Lions last season moving from his more comfortable right guard spot to left guard to accommodate the signing of Kevin Zeitler in free agency.

Fast forward a year and now the Lions are relying on Glasgow to take on the important role of filling in at center for the retired Frank Ragnow. Detroit started rookie Tate Ratledge at center to begin camp but have now pivoted to Glasgow the last few days, moving Ratledge to right guard. That appears to be the plan for the foreseeable future.

"Look, we just finished two days with Graham back at center, in pads, and it's looked pretty good," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said before Tuesday's scrimmage at the Meijer Performance Center. "It's looked pretty dang good.

"I think every day that it looks pretty dang good, it gets a little clearer, so it's good to have him in there. And look, this is good for Tate (Ratledge) too to get these right guard reps, so we're kind of holding tight right now."

Glasgow has started 38 games at center in the NFL and said after practice Tuesday he feels equally as comfortable at center as he does right guard. He admittedly wasn't as comfortable at left guard last season.

"I like center. Center is fun," he said. "It's more mentally challenging and I like that aspect of the position. It's been fun."

Glasgow has started games at center with quarterbackJared Goffand that familiarity is key with two positions that work more closely together than any other in football besides maybe holder and place kicker.

"Jared is great. I think we see things the same way," Glasgow said. "I even thought that last year and over the past few years when I was playing guard. He's always done a good job of communicating with Frank whether Frank sees something and tells him, or he sees something and tells Frank or me. I think we do a pretty good job of talking before the play and getting things right."

There's a comfort level between Goff and Glasgow that's important to have with a new play caller and offensive coordinator. It also gives the rookie Ratledge an opportunity to slide over to guard and take a lot of the mental aspect of playing center off his plate as he continues to adjust to the NFL game.

VETERAN TREATMENT

The Lions are going to count on a number of rookies to be impact players early in their NFL careers. First-round pick defensive linemanTyleik Williamshas been taking first-team reps alongsideDJ Readerat defensive tackle with Alim McNeill still sidelined rehabbing a torn ACL.

Ratledge has been running with the first-team offense at right guard and could start the season there if he continues on his current trend.

Because of those key roles, it's unlikely either player is in the lineup Thursday night when the Lions kick off the preseason against the Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game.

"I don't think I'm going to play Tate or Leik this game," Campbell said. "We talked about it as a staff and it's like, 'Why don't we just wait? Maybe play him in Atlanta?' So, I think we'll hold tight, make sure they get plenty of reps out here (at practice)."

PASCHAL UPDATE

Veteran defensive lineman Josh Paschal has started camp on the NFL (non-football injury) list with an undisclosed injury and Campbell updated his current status before practice Tuesday.

"I think when he gets back, we're going to need to get him some practice reps," Campbell said. "So I think we're hoping early September we get him in practice and I think he's going to need a couple of weeks to practice before we can expect him to play for us. Right now, he's still on schedule to hopefully be ready. He's on schedule for early September to start practicing."

Paschal is an important depth player for Detroit's defense with his ability to play up and down the defensive front.

EXTRA POINTS

SafetyKerby Josephhas been dealing with a minor knee injury, which is why we haven't seen him at practice the last few days. Campbell said they hope to have him back on the field for Saturday's walkthrough.

The Lions waived (injured) tight end Luke Deal and signed running back Jacob Saylors to the active roster.