The Detroit Lions’ hopes for a late-season boost on the offensive line were dashed Friday when former All-Pro center and Arkansas Razorback standout Frank Ragnow failed his team physical, officially ending any chance of a 2025 return.
Ragnow, 29, announced his retirement in June after several grueling NFL seasons marked by repeated injuries. Once considered one of the best centers in football, he played through significant pain throughout his career and was widely respected across the league for his toughness.
After months away from the game, Ragnow began considering a comeback and reported to the team facility last week. However, Detroit’s medical staff discovered a Grade 3 hamstring strain, a severe injury that ultimately failed his physical tom rejoin the team. The severity wasn’t known until the final physical, despite Ragnow previously revealing he was dealing with hamstring issues.
The Lions issued a heartfelt statement following the news:
“Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion.”
Detroit still holds Ragnow’s contractual rights through the 2026 season, though discussions about his future beyond this setback have not taken place. Head coach Dan Campbell admitted he was initially “fired up” about the possibility of Ragnow returning, making the outcome even more disappointing for a team still fighting to stay in the NFC playoff picture.
A Costly Blow for a Shaky Offensive Interior
Though the Lions have shown strength in several areas this season, ranking second in the NFL in rushing yards and yards per carry, the offense has lacked consistency without Ragnow anchoring the middle. Much of Detroit’s ground success has come from Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosive-play ability, rather than the steady, controlled run-game efficiency that defined recent seasons.
Meanwhile, protection up the middle has regressed. Quarterback Jared Goff has been sacked 26 times, many of them stemming from interior pressure. It’s also the Lions’ first season without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now head coach of the Chicago Bears, and the offense has clearly missed his steadying influence.
Ragnow started all 96 games he appeared in from 2018–2024 and remained one of the NFL’s most reliable, technically sharp centers when healthy. Had he been able to return anywhere near his 2024 form, Detroit’s offense might have gained the boost it needed to stabilize the interior, protect Goff, and reclaim the consistency that has slipped at key moments this year.
Instead, the Lions must continue forward without him; still tough, still competitive, but clearly missing the leader who once set the tone for their entire offense.
For a franchise eager to push back into the postseason, Ragnow’s failed return attempt is more than unfortunate news. It’s a major missed opportunity.