By Sunday 
Detroit Lions fans got a jolt of adrenaline on the eve of their Packers showdown when news broke that All-Pro center Frank Ragnow was “un-retiring.” It felt like a gift from the football gods — the reinforcement Detroit desperately needed for a banged-up offensive line.
But as quickly as the hype surged, reality stepped in.
So… Why Isn’t Ragnow Playing Today?
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ragnow’s return is legit — but his availability isn’t. After months away from football, the 29-year-old needs a ramp-up period before he can take live snaps again. And for a position as brutally physical as center, there’s no skipping steps.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that Ragnow is ready to go “sooner rather than later,” but the Lions aren’t risking a rushed comeback. Beyond conditioning, he still needs time to rebuild rhythm with Jared Goff and adjust to a new offensive coordinator now that Ben Johnson has been replaced by Dan Campbell up top.
All of that means one thing:
Ragnow can’t suit up for the Lions’ Thanksgiving game against the Packers.
So Who Starts at Center?
With Christian Mahogany and Graham Glasgow both dealing with injuries, Detroit is turning to Trystan Colon or Kingsley Eguakun to anchor the interior against Green Bay.
Not ideal — but help is coming.
When Will Ragnow Actually Return?
The real target? Week 15.
Schefter reports that Ragnow is expected to be back against Matthew Stafford and the top-seeded Los Angeles Rams, a matchup that could carry major playoff implications. For a Lions team battling pass-protection issues since Ragnow stepped away, his return could be season-shifting.
After Thanksgiving, Detroit faces the Cowboys, Rams, and Vikings over a five-game stretch — a gauntlet that will define their NFC standing. Getting Ragnow back in the middle of that run could be the stabilizer the offensive line desperately needs.
And when Glasgow eventually returns too?
Detroit’s guard-center-guard trio goes from patched-together to legitimately solid.
A Fix to the Problem He “Inadvertently” Created
Ragnow’s retirement earlier this year forced Detroit into scramble mode. Now he’s back to help repair the very problem his exit caused. It’s a full-circle moment — but fans will need a bit more patience before they see the payoff.
One thing’s clear:
Once Ragnow is fully ramped up, the Lions’ offensive identity changes overnight.
And that Week 15 showdown?
Circle it. Bold it. Highlight it.
Ragnow’s real return might be the spark Detroit’s playoff push needs.