Frank

Ragnow

Ragnow’s attempt at a comeback was dashed when the veteran center failed his physical due to a Grade 3 hamstring injury. Ragnow was hoping to un-retire and help the Lions make a playoff push over the final month of the season, but given the nature of his injury and the amount of rehab he would need in order to play, a return didn’t make much sense. Still only 29 years old, Ragnow’s decision to walk away from the game was due to the myriad of injuries he has suffered in his career. If he feels physically up to it after a year away, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ragnow attempt another return for the 2026 season.

Earlier this week, Ragnow and the Lions made it known that the 29-year-old center was coming out of retirement to rejoin the team for the stretch run of the season. Unfortunately, Friday’s physical revealed a grade three hamstring strain that will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Ragnow won’t rejoin the team this season and given his previous health issues, it’s unclear if he plans to play again in the future.

Ragnow retired back in June 2025. Back in 2021, the Lions made Ragnow the NFL’s highest-paid center in the league when they signed him to a multi-year contract extension, which ran through 2026. The Lions still own the rights to Ragnow’s contract, so a return from retirement, back onto the Lions’ roster, should be fairly simple. His expected return comes at a great time. Lions LT Taylor Decker (shoulder), RT Penei Sewell (ankle) and RG Tate Ratledge (knee) are questionable to play in Week 13 against the Packers and C Graham Glasgow (knee) has been ruled out. It is unclear how quickly Ragnow can resume playing, but the banged-up unit needs reinforcements.

Any speculation about Ragnow missing OTAs due to contract-related issues can be put to rest. The four-time Pro Bowler took to Instagram on Monday, saying, “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good but I’m not and it’s time to prioritize my health and my families future.” Ragnow has appeared in 47 of the Lions’ 51 regular season games since 2022 but has dealt with a myriad of injuries throughout his career, Last season, Ragnow suffered a torn pectoral muscle, but missed only one game due to the injury. During the 2023 season he missed two regular season games while dealing with knee, back, and toe injuries, but managed to play in all three playoff games in their run up to the NFC Championship game against the 49ers. A true warrior of the sport, it’s apparent the injuries Ragnow has suffered over the years have taken their toll, even if he can still play at a high level. His absence creates a void at the center position that may be filled by 2025 rookie second-rounder Tate Ratledge.

Ragnow and linebacker Alex Anzalone were the only players not in attendance for this week’s OTAs. While Anzalone has made it clear with social media posts that he’s unhappy with his contract situation, it appears that Ragnow also wants a new deal. The 29-year-old center signed an extension in 2021 to make him the highest-paid center at the time. His current deal, which runs through the 2026 season, is just fourth in average annual value among centers and has no guaranteed money remaining. Ragnow is still at the top of his game, coming in as PPF’s highest-graded run blocking center in 2024 (90.9). Lions coach Dan Campbell downplayed the absences, mentioning that he’s been in contact with both players and that there’s still a month to go before training camp. While the Lions have handed out many extensions in the last two years, the front office is aware that a cap crunch is looming in the years ahead, which could put a strain on negotiations with veteran players like Ragnow and Anzalone.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell told us earlier this week that Ragnow was expected to play on Sunday, so this isn’t much of a surprise. Ragnow missed Week 4 with the pec injury but got a Week 5 bye to recover. Pro Football Focus has Ragnow graded as a top-10 center through a month of football.

Ragnow missed the Lions’ Week 4 win over the Seahawks due to his injury but has had additional time to recover thanks to their bye week. Ragnow suffered the partially torn pectoral in Week 3 and was hoping to play through it early on, but out of precaution, the team opted to play it “smart” buy sidelining him for at least one game. Campbell also said the team hopes to have safety Brian Branch back following the bye.

Ragnow continues to be one of the better centers in the league, making his absence due to a pectoral injury notable as the Lions prepare to face the Seahawks. Seattle could force more pressure in the backfield on pass plays due to Ragnow’s absence.

Ragnow suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 3 against the Cardinals. He wanted to suit up for Monday night against the Seahawks, but Campbell said the team would be “smart” and keep Ragnow sidelined for at least a week. Ragnow is a big loss for a Detroit offensive line graded by PFF as the league’s seventh best pass blocking unit.

However, he also said that Ragnow “wants to go” and that the team isn’t sure what they’ll do with him yet. Ragnow is one of the best centers in the NFL, and a torn pectoral is generally a lengthy recovery process that knocks most players out for the season. This’ll be one to monitor going forward for the Lions. Ragnow did play through the injury in Week 3, taking every snap. Campbell added he wants to do “what’s best for both parties.”