Frank Ragnow couldn’t stay away from the game for an entire season.
The four-time Pro Bowl center with the Lions is retiring to rejoin Detroit, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday, according to sources close to Ragnow.
Ragnow has stayed in shape and will be ready to go sooner rather than later, Rapoport added.
Consider it a Thanksgiving miracle. Ragnow retired in early June after weighing his future against the many injuries (including a concussion, groin, foot, knee, pectoral and even a broken neck) he had suffered during his seven NFL seasons, leaving a huge void on the Lions’ offensive line.
Detroit replaced him by moving Graham Glasgow from guard to center and, after drafting Georgia guard Tate Ratledge, formed a new starting five, which has been forced to endure more injuries in recent weeks.
Once proven ready to return to the field, Ragnow would likely move into the middle, allowing Glasgow to go back, with former undrafted free agent Kayode Awosikais playing opposite Ratledge. Ragnow’s return would significantly strengthen the corps and fill a need that has grown in importance in recent weeks as opposing defenses have had success pressuring quarterback @jared goff
The Lions’ social media account was quick to celebrate the news Wednesday, posting a photo of Ragnow running out of the Ford Field tunnel. That image will soon become a reality again.