Frank Ragnow Stuns NFL by Coming Out of Retirement to Rejoin Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions obtained one of many greatest boosts forward of the Thanksgiving showdown as four-time Pro Bowl heart Frank Ragnow formally got here out of retirement.

After retiring from soccer earlier within the yr, the 29-year-old lineman has opted to return as a result of he “loves the game,” in response to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Frank Ragnow Returns to Lions After Surprise Retirement Decision

According to Reuters, Ragnow had till Wednesday to reinstate himself from the reserve–retired record if he hoped to play this season. Players should return earlier than their staff’s Week 13 matchup to be eligible, and Detroit’s Thursday sport towards NFC North rival Green Bay created a agency deadline.

The Lions shortly positioned Ragnow on the exempt/commissioner permission record, permitting him time to reintegrate earlier than taking the sphere.

Although reinstated, suiting up instantly is a slim likelihood, in response to a supply. His earliest practical return can be the Lions’ Dec. 14 matchup towards the Los Angeles Rams to provide Detroit time to get their star heart again into sport form.

Detroit Still Holds Ragnow’s Contract Rights

The Lions retain Ragnow’s contractual rights for the rest of this season and the following. Once he stories to the staff facility, his earlier deal will mechanically resume. Ragnow retired in June after seven seasons stuffed with elite play and protracted accidents, however Detroit by no means closed the door on a possible comeback.

Ragnow’s out-of-retirement plan for the Lions was additionally endorsed by former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce, in response to Clutch Points.

Ragnow’s Impact and Injury History

Ragnow had a historical past of sturdiness and toughness all through his profession. He performed with a fractured throat in the course of the 2021 season, after which Detroit made him the highest-paid heart within the NFL with a four-year, $54 million extension.

In 2024, Ragnow battled {a partially} torn pectoral muscle; nonetheless, he was capable of seem in 16 video games, lacking solely Week 4, and earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl choice.

His absence this season compelled veteran Graham Glasgow to step into the middle position because the Lions opened the yr 7–4. Ragnow’s return now offers Detroit one of many strongest inside lineman rotations within the league heading into the playoff stretch.

Lions Strengthen Roster With Additional Move

In a separate roster growth, the Lions activated defensive finish Marcus Davenport from injured reserve. Davenport had been out since Sept. 22 as a result of a chest harm, and his return gives depth to a protection readying for a vital late-season run.