The Detroit Lions received what felt like a Thanksgiving miracle when four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow announced he was coming out of retirement. The veteran lineman, who stepped away in June due to ongoing injuries, is expected to return to the field in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
However, the Lions’ current situation might not be what Ragnow envisioned when deciding to rejoin the team.
Lions’ Playoff Hopes Are Fading Fast
Detroit’s disappointing 31-24 Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers dropped the team to 7–5. The defeat also completed a season sweep by Green Bay, effectively eliminating Detroit from the race for a third straight NFC North crown.
To stay alive in the playoff hunt, the Lions will likely need to win at least four of their final five games, a daunting task given their recent struggles.
Week 14 vs. Cowboys: A Must-Win Challenge
The Lions host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football to open Week 14. Dallas enters the matchup riding a three-game winning streak, including victories over last year’s Super Bowl teams. Although Detroit’s tough road matchups against the Chiefs and Eagles were understandable, the Lions were not competitive in either game — a worrying sign heading into December.
Frank Ragnow’s Expected Return in Week 15 Could Be Rocky
Ragnow is projected to make his season debut when Detroit travels to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. Former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level, and with Detroit’s pass rush struggling lately, that contest could turn one-sided quickly if improvements aren’t made.
Ragnow May Not Be Returning to the Team He Remembers
Detroit’s offensive line has been plagued by issues ever since Ragnow stepped away. Injuries to Christian Mahogany and Graham Glasgow have exposed major depth concerns, leading to inconsistent interior line play.
Left tackle Taylor Decker revealed that Ragnow had been considering a return for weeks before finalizing the decision, likely believing he could stabilize the offense and help Detroit compete for a deep playoff run. In theory, placing Ragnow back at center and sliding Glasgow to left guard should improve protection and boost offensive consistency.
But if the Lions fall to the Cowboys and drop to 7–6, their playoff odds will dip sharply — and a deep postseason push will become even more unlikely.
Could Frank Ragnow Regret Ending His Retirement?
Ragnow’s return only makes sense if the Lions are legitimate playoff contenders. With the team trending downward, Detroit may not offer the postseason opportunity he envisioned when unretiring.
If the Lions stumble over the next two weeks, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ragnow begins to second-guess his decision. While it would be an awkward twist after the excitement surrounding his comeback, the veteran center might eventually feel that remaining retired was the better path.
