Thanksgiving miracle: Frank Ragnow coming out of retirement to rejoin Detroit Lions

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Six months after he announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 29, All-Pro center Frank Ragnow is reportedly set to rejoin the Detroit Lions.

The Lions hinted at the shocking news by posting a photo of Ragnow on social media Wednesday afternoon. Shortly after, the return was confirmed by both the NFL Network and ESPN.

According to ESPN, Wednesday was the deadline for Ragnow to announce his return from the retirement list to be eligible to play this season.

A first-round draft pick by the Lions in 2018, Ragnow started 96 games across seven seasons for the Lions, earning four Pro Bowl selections. However, dealing with mounting injuries, including a chronic toe condition that prematurely ended his season in 2021, Ragnow opted for retirement instead of continuing to push through the daily grind of getting his body ready for competition.

“These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I’m officially retiring from the NFL,” Ragnow posted on Instagram in early June. “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 (family’s) future.

“I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t,” Ragnow’s message continued. “I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can’t emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.”

Ragnow didn’t comment on his decision beyond the social media message. Without him, the team initially tested rookie Tate Ratledge’s ability to fill the void at center before turning to veteran Graham Glasgow.

Without Ragnow, Detroit’s offensive line has unquestionably taken a step back, both in pass protection and in the consistency of its run blocking. His return, even if it requires a period of acclimatation to get back into football shape, would significantly boost the team’s Super Bowl odds.

Injury report

Ragnow isn’t expected to immediately jump into action. That’s unfortunate because the team will be without center Graham Glasgow this week. He was one of five players the team ruled out for Thursday’s game against Green Bay, along with safety Kerby Joseph, tight end Brock Wright, wide receiver Kalif Raymond and defensive end Josh Pascahl.

Additionally, the Lions listed eight players as questionable for the contest, including cornerback Terrion Arnold, who has missed the past two weeks with a concussion.