The return of Frank Ragnow has been cancelled.
The Detroit Lions announced on Saturday that Ragnow, who had planned on returning from retirement imminently, failed his physical on Friday. The physical revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will prevent him from playing in the 2025 season.
At this point, it isn’t fully clear if Ragnow still intends to return from his retirement in 2026, but he will not be helping the Lions make their playoff push in 2025. Campbell told media on Saturday that plans beyond this season were not discussed with Ragnow.
“That was never discussed. It was just once we realized the severity of it, he did, that’s just where it went. Nothing was discussed past the news that you guys just got,” Campbell said.
Instead, the Lions will have to push forward with the offensive line they currently have. That’s unfortunate news, given the Lions’ offensive line was missing two starters on Thursday against the Green Bay Packers, while three other players were battling injuries of their own.
Here is the full statement from the Lions:
“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.
Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion.”
It’s been a whirlwind year for Ragnow, who retired in June after just seven years in the NFL due to health complications and a desire to be with family. It was just Wednesday when it was announced he planned on returning from retirement.
It’s another blow to a Lions season that just continually gets tougher and tougher. Here’s hoping for brighter days for Ragnow and brighter days for the Detroit Lions.
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