By Sunday 
A Lesson the Lions Somehow Didn’t Learn
You’d think that when a three-time Pro Bowler shock-retires in June and leaves your offensive line scrambling for answers, the message would be clear:
Depth matters. Plan ahead. Don’t assume stars stay forever.
But here we are — months later — and the Detroit Lions are still treating Frank Ragnow like a safety net that magically appears every time the floor caves in. Unfortunately for them, this season’s injuries have exposed every crack in that thinking.
Ten players on IR.
Three offensive linemen down.
And outside of Penei Sewell? Shakiness everywhere.
That’s how you end up hoping a retired center walks back through the door and fixes everything.
The Desperate Return That Never Happened
Ragnow did try to come back — and honestly, who didn’t get a little excited when the news broke? But then the reality hit just as fast: he failed his physical, shutting the door on a midseason rescue mission.
Still, offensive line coach Hank Fraley made it crystal clear:
“If he wanted to be back, that door’s open.”
That’s sweet. Heartwarming even. But also… kind of the problem.
No One Player Fixes a Broken Foundation
Graham Glasgow deserves some respect.
He didn’t ask for this.
He didn’t cause this.
He was a left guard thrown into a fire at center and has held up better than people expected — 16 pressures and eight QB hits isn’t ideal, but it’s survivable.
The real issue isn’t Glasgow. It’s that Detroit spent years relying on Ragnow’s availability and elite consistency to mask the depth issues behind him.
And elite he was — third out of 43 centers last year, with a 90.8 run-blocking grade that played a huge part in Detroit finishing sixth in rushing yards per game. When you lose a guy like that, there’s no “plug-and-play” option waiting at the end of your bench.
Ragnow’s Age and Injury Can’t Be Ignored
Even if the Lions keep dreaming about it, Ragnow can’t save them anymore — not right now. A grade-three hamstring strain is no joke. It’s possible surgery territory. It’s long rehab territory. It’s “don’t count on me to fix your season” territory.
And if Detroit leaves that door open, they’re also leaving open a dangerous illusion:
That a soon-to-be 30-year-old who’s missed over a year can return at the same level and erase their depth issues.
Spoiler: That’s not how NFL trenches work.
The Real Fix Starts in March and April
If Detroit is serious about stabilizing this offensive line, it won’t come from hoping Ragnow’s hamstring magically resets. It’ll come from:
- Hitting free agency like adults
- Drafting linemen with real upside
- Building depth instead of depending on miracles
Ragnow returning would be a bonus, not a solution.
The Lions need solutions.