The Detroit Lions walked into Thanksgiving week knowing Frank Ragnow wasn’t fully healthy — but nobody in the building expected the situation to escalate the way it did. According to team insiders, the Lions were aware the veteran center was dealing with a hamstring problem, yet the true severity didn’t reveal itself until evaluations showed the injury was much more limiting than first believed.
That unexpected development forced Detroit to shuffle its game-week preparation, adjust protection schemes and lean even more heavily on backup options. Losing a stabilizing force like Ragnow upfront — especially during a crucial stretch of the season — is the kind of setback that can ripple through the entire offense.
Still, this is Frank Ragnow we’re talking about. The guy has played through injuries most linemen wouldn’t even attempt, and his toughness has never been in question. The Lions remain hopeful the issue won’t become long-term, but the sudden escalation caught everyone off guard and added another hurdle to a season already heavy with adversity.
For a team fighting to keep its playoff hopes alive, the timing couldn’t be worse — and it puts a spotlight on Detroit’s depth and resilience heading into the final push.
Detroit Caught Off Guard as Frank Ragnow’s Injury Escalates Before Key Stretch
