Frank Ragnow’s journey with the Lions has come to an unexpected halt. The 29-year-old offensive lineman, who retired quite suddenly last June, returned to Detroit recently for a physical examination, as noted in a press release from the team.
During this physical, doctors revealed that Ragnow had sustained a Grade 3 hamstring strain, meaning he will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. This unfortunate news curtails his short-lived comeback to the sport.
The Lions expressed their admiration for Ragnow, stating, “Frank has always put his team first and is a true warrior. He will forever be a lion.”
Ragnow, drafted in the first round by the Lions in 2018 out of Arkansas, had a successful career prior to his retirement, being selected for four Pro Bowls and mainly playing at center.
His absence has clearly impacted the Lions’ offensive line this season. The team has struggled, allowing quarterback Jared Goff to be sacked a staggering 26 times, pushing him toward a performance record that won’t reflect their past prowess.
After a recent Thanksgiving loss to the Packers, the Lions find themselves with a 7-5 record, currently ineligible for the NFC playoffs if the season were to end today.
Reflecting on his retirement earlier this year, Ragnow mentioned health concerns as a primary factor for stepping back from the NFL. He shared on Instagram, expressing that recent months had been challenging and emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health and family. It seems like he had hoped to contribute further to the team but had to face the tough reality of his physical limitations.
“I have given everything I have to this team,” he concluded, expressing deep gratitude towards the Lions organization and their fans for their support throughout this difficult transition.
