Frank Ragnow rejoining Detroit Lions out of retirement: Reports

The Detroit Lions are getting a huge lift, just in time to make a major playoff push.

Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow is coming out of retirement, according to multiple reports.

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Ragnow retired abruptly in June, and the Lions have struggled on their offensive line this season. They're scoring about four fewer points per game than they did last year, and quarterback Jared Goff is on pace to be sacked a career-high 36 times.

Lions coach Dan Campbell said earlier this month "that ship has sailed" when asked about the possibility of Ragnow returning, but the team posted a cryptic photo on social media Wednesday, Nov. 26, of Ragnow running out of the tunnel, alone, with his hand raised.

Ragnow did not immediately return a voice message seeking comment.

"Here’s what I know about Frank,” Campbell said earlier this month. “If Frank really wanted to, he would be blowing my phone up and I haven’t gotten a text yet. So I think Frank is feeling good about his decision and look, they just had another baby so happy for them and he’s – that ship has sailed.”

With Ragnow at center, the Lions had one of the best offensive lines in football in recent years, but the unit has struggled with communication and consistency this fall.

The Lions moved Graham Glasgow from left guard to center this summer to replace Ragnow, and have two new starters at guard in rookie Tate Ratledge and second-year pro Christian Mahogany.

Mahogany is on injured reserve with a broken bone in his leg, though he expects to be back by the playoffs.

The Lions out ruled Glasgow, one of the lowest-graded centers in the NFL this season by Pro Football Focus, for their Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury.

A three-time second-team All-Pro selection at center, Ragnow has struggled with a slew of injuries in recent years including a chronic toe problem.

It's unclear how long it will take him to get back in playing shape, though the Lions (7-4) have five games left after Thanksgiving beginning next Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.

When he retired in June, Ragnow had two years left on his contract. He was scheduled to make $9.15 million in base salary this fall.

Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Frank Ragnow ends retirement to rejoin Detroit Lions