Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl center, is returning to the Detroit Lions after a short-lived retirement. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ragnow has decided to come back because he “loves the game.” His decision comes just in time, as the deadline for reinstatement from the reserve-retired list was Wednesday, making him eligible to play this season.
Players on a team’s reserve-retired list must be reinstated before their team’s Week 13 game. The Lions are set to host their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, on November 30, 2023, during their annual Thanksgiving Day matchup. Ragnow’s first opportunity to compete again may be against the Dallas Cowboys on December 7, 2023, though sources indicate that a return that quickly is considered unlikely.
Should Ragnow need more time to prepare, the Lions’ subsequent game on December 14 against the Los Angeles Rams could serve as a more realistic return date. The Lions retain Ragnow’s contract rights for this season and the next, ensuring that his contract will be reinstated upon his return to the team this week.
Ragnow initially announced his retirement in June after a successful seven-season career in the NFL. At just 29 years old, he has faced numerous injuries throughout his time in the league. Notably, in 2021, he played despite suffering from a fractured throat. His resilience and performance led Lions’ general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell to make him the highest-paid center at that time, offering him a four-year extension worth $54 million.
In the previous season, Ragnow participated in 16 games, missing only one due to a partially torn pectoral muscle. Remarkably, he did not miss a start after that injury and earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. During his absence, veteran lineman Graham Glasgow stepped into the center role, contributing to the Lions’ current record of 7-4 this season.
Ragnow’s return is expected to bolster the Lions’ offensive line, helping them sustain their competitive edge in the league. As the team prepares for their Thanksgiving Day game, fans are eager to see how Ragnow’s comeback will impact the remainder of the season.
