By Moses Joshua 
Just Days After a Costly Thanksgiving Loss, Detroit Faces Fines, Injuries, and Rising Playoff Pressure
Fines Roll In After Giants Matchup — Not the Packers Clash
While the sting of the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers was still fresh, the team woke up to more unwelcome news: the NFL delivered steep fines to two of Detroit’s defensive standouts.
Though the announcements came only two days after the Lions fell to Green Bay, the penalties actually trace back to the team’s previous game against the New York Giants on November 23.
Safety Brian Branch received the harshest punishment — a $23,186 fine for unnecessary roughness on what the Office of Game-Day Accountability described as a “hit on a defenseless player.” The league’s action marks yet another disciplinary mark on Branch’s 2025 resume. Earlier this season, he was suspended one game for his role in a post-game fight with Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in October.
Linebacker Jack Campbell was also hit with a significant financial penalty, owing $17,389 for a hip-drop tackle the league deemed unnecessary roughness. Offensive tackle Dan Skipper rounded out the trio of team punishments, drawing a $6,917 fine for taunting.
Any discipline stemming from actions in Thursday’s loss to the Packers is expected on Saturday, December 6, leaving Detroit fans bracing for more potential fallout.
Ragnow’s Failed Physical Delivers Another Blow
Just as fans were still digesting the fines, Saturday brought even more disappointing news — and this time, it involved a beloved former cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive line.
Veteran center Frank Ragnow, who had planned an unexpected return to the team after retiring, failed his physical and will not rejoin the Lions this season. The team’s statement painted a sobering picture:
“Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meetings. Unfortunately, during the routine meeting with our medical team, Frank failed his physical.”
“The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season. For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions.”
Ragnow’s comeback would have been a crucial boost to an offensive line that has battled injuries and inconsistency all year. While Pro Football Focus entered Week 13 ranking Detroit’s O-line tenth overall, the absence of a true anchor at center has been evident.
Analyst Zoltan Buday underscored the problem, writing:
“Center Graham Glasgow continues to be a liability in pass protection for the Lions… He earned a team-low 46.4 PFF pass-blocking grade against the Giants and has now allowed a quarterback knockdown on 1.8% of pass plays.”
Given Ragnow’s age — just 29 — and his Pro Bowl and All-Pro pedigree, his failed physical felt like a sudden and brutal reversal for Detroit.
Playoff Path Narrows After Packers Defeat
The Lions’ 31–24 Thanksgiving loss did more than deliver heartbreak — it tightened the NFC North race and placed Detroit’s playoff future on thin ice.
Quarterback Jared Goff absorbed seven quarterback hits and three sacks, while the Lions fell to 7–5, trailing both Green Bay (8–3–1) and Chicago (9–3) in the standings.
With the Packers set to host the Bears next weekend — a matchup likely to determine the division leader — Detroit is staring down a gauntlet. The team, which claimed the NFC North in each of the past two seasons, may now be fighting simply to secure a wild-card spot in one of the league’s toughest conferences.
A Critical Stretch Ahead
Between fresh fines, a failed comeback attempt from one of their most decorated players, and a shrinking margin for error in the playoff race, the Lions are facing the most pivotal moment of their season.
The next few weeks will test Detroit’s resilience — and determine whether this team can withstand the mounting blows long enough to stay alive in the postseason hunt.