Detroit Lions announce center Frank Ragnow won't play this season after all

Mike Moraitis

Detroit Lions announce center Frank Ragnow won't play this season after all image

Frank Ragnow will not be coming out of retirement for the Detroit Lions after all.

The Lions announced on Saturday that Ragnow was diagnosed with a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will prevent him from coming back and playing this year.

It isn't totally clear if Ragnow plans on returning in 2026, but based on the wording of the Lions' statement, it doesn't look like that will happen.

"Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meetings. Unfortunately, during the routine meeting with our medical team, Frank failed his physical," The Lions said in a statement.

"The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season. For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions.

"Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion," the statement concluded.

Ragnow retired back in June due to health reasons after he played through a litany of injuries in recent years. The four-time Pro Bowler then decided to come out of retirement this week.

This is a tough blow for the Lions, who were looking forward to fortifying their offensive line. It's also tough because Ragnow's return was going to provide a momentum lift for the entire team.

Ragnow's return would have moved Graham Glasgow back to guard, where Kayode Awosika is filling in for the injured Christian Mahogany.

Now, it'll be status quo for Detroit's group upfront for the rest of the season.

More NFL News

Contributing Writer