Lions' Ratledge talks about hitting, learning to fight through rookie wall, plus his biggest offseason priority
Allen Park — Heading into Sunday’s season finale with the Chicago Bears, no Detroit Lions player has logged more offensive snaps than rookie lineman Tate Ratledge.
For anyone counting at home, Ratledge tolled over the 1,000-rep mark on Christmas Day. Not bad for a prospect who entered the NFL with durability concerns, having missed time with injury each of his past four seasons at the University of Georgia.
As he reaches the finishing line of a grueling stretch, his availability has been a source of pride for the first-year guard.
“It’s been huge because this is the longest stretch of time I’ve been healthy since high school, probably,” Ratledge said. “It’s been awesome to actually be out there week after week and not having to worry about something nagging me.
“Of course, I’ve had my dings and bruises here and there, but nothing serious,” Ratledge continued. “So it’s been good. I take pride in that because that was a big concern with me coming out of college, that I seemed to be consistently hurt.”