By Blessing 
Lions Still Searching for Their Starting Center as Camp Battle Unfolds
The Detroit Lions find themselves in a bit of a scramble at one of the most important positions on the offensive line. With Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement earlier this year, the team has been forced to open up a real competition for the starting center job during training camp.
That’s where rookie Tate Ratledge, the second-round pick, comes in. The team wasted no time throwing him into the mix, giving him plenty of center reps during the offseason and now into training camp. His development at the position has become a top priority, especially after the loss of one of the league’s best interior linemen in Ragnow.
But while Ratledge has been heavily involved, that doesn’t guarantee he’s the guy to take over the role. The Lions have quietly built depth at interior offensive line (IOL) with players who have versatility—guys like Trystan Colon and Graham Glasgow, who both have experience snapping the ball as well as playing guard.
In recent practices, Glasgow has started taking reps at center again, which has raised some eyebrows. Early on, it seemed like Ratledge was being groomed to step right into Ragnow’s shoes. But now it looks like the team is seriously weighing all its options. Glasgow, a trusted veteran, brings experience and leadership, making him a legitimate candidate.
Still, Glasgow didn’t re-sign with Detroit thinking he’d be switching positions. As reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Glasgow expected to return as the team’s right guard. He told Birkett that when he made his decision to come back, it was “knowing he’d be at right guard.”
Yet with Ragnow gone, plans have changed. The coaching staff now wants to see how Glasgow looks anchoring the offensive line, and that means sharing center snaps with Ratledge throughout camp.
It’s a situation that no one would’ve predicted earlier this year, but as head coach Dan Campbell pointed out, the team is simply exploring every option. “We just wanted to see what a flip between Glasgow and Ratledge looked like,” he told reporters. “We still plan to work Ratledge in at center.”
For the Lions, this isn’t necessarily a crisis—it could actually be a good problem to have. Both players are getting meaningful reps in practice, which helps build chemistry and readiness across the line. The team seems content to stay in-house rather than pursue a free agent or trade for a new center.
That makes sense. Ragnow was a one-of-a-kind player, and expecting someone to instantly replace his level of play would be unrealistic. Glasgow and Ratledge are both more natural at guard, but the flexibility they bring is proving invaluable during this transition period.
Quarterback Jared Goff has taken notice of Ratledge’s efforts and progress so far, offering praise for the rookie’s poise and ability to adjust quickly. His comfort under center will be critical in determining how this battle ends.
As camp continues, the Lions are making the smart play: letting the reps speak for themselves. Whether it’s Glasgow, Ratledge, or even Colon who eventually takes over the starting center role, Detroit is taking a patient, thorough approach.
No one’s filling Ragnow’s shoes overnight—but the Lions are working hard to make sure the next man up is ready.