Detroit Lions heart Frank Ragnow failed his bodily and won’t play in 2025, per a group announcement.
Detroit’s medical group discovered a Grade 3 hamstring pressure that may forestall Ragnow from finishing his comeback try after retiring this offseason.
Head coach Dan Campbell stated that Ragnow knowledgeable the group concerning the damage, prompting additional analysis.
That exposed a extra extreme damage that instantly eradicated the possibility of Detroit’s longtime heart taking part in this season.
Ragnow, 29, got here out of retirement after the Lions suffered a number of accidents alongside their offensive line. Left guard Christian Mahogany broke his leg in Week 9 and may very well be out till the brand new 12 months. Heart Graham Glasgow didn’t play on Thanksgiving resulting from a knee damage.
Lions will need to have Plan B in wake of Frank Ragnow information
Mahogany has been changed by Kayode Awosika, whereas Trystan Colon stuffed in for Glasgow on Thursday. If Ragnow had returned, he would have taken over at heart and moved Glasgow to left guard, his spot in 2024, as soon as he was wholesome.
Ragnow would have been a lift to the Lions offensive line. Though the unit will not be precisely struggling, the accidents have left them with out their most well-liked choices. Ragnow, a four-time Professional Bowler, has been one of many league’s greatest facilities for the final a number of years. In his final 5 seasons, he allowed simply 4 sacks and earned a 90.0 grade from Pro Football Focus thrice.
As a substitute, the Lions must follow Awosika, Colon and Glasgow to fill their left guard and heart spots. The primary has solely performed guard, however the latter two line up at each spots, giving Detroit just a few potential combos. Rookie Miles Frazier got here off the non-football damage checklist this week and will get a glance as properly. He primarily performed proper guard in faculty, however frolicked at left guard in 2022 and would possible step in there.
Age, damage historical past might forestall Frank Ragnow from attempting to make one other comeback
As for Ragnow, his age signifies that he might attempt once more in 2026, however his preliminary retirement was partially pushed by the accidents he suffered all through his profession. His solely full season got here in 2020. Since his comeback was foiled by one other damage, he could take it as affirmation of his preliminary resolution.
Campbell stated that nothing had been mentioned relating to Ragnow’s future, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
