The Detroit Lions secured a significant win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week Three, improving their record to 2-1.
However, the victory came with a cost, as standout tight end Sam LaPorta was carted off due to an ankle sprain, and pass rusher Marcus Davenport left the game with an elbow injury.
LaPorta sustained his injury while blocking on a “hook and ladder” touchdown play, but the second-year tight end seems to have avoided serious damage. He is expected to miss only a short time due to a low ankle sprain. Unfortunately, the outlook for Davenport is much worse, as his elbow injury will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
In a lesser-publicized injury, Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Ragnow’s injury occurred early in the game against the Cardinals. Luckily for Detroit, the injury is not season-ending, and Ragnow is listed as week-to-week, with a potential return in the near future, per Rapoport.
Ragnow was the Lions’ first-round pick in the 2018 draft, selected 20th overall. He became a starter during his rookie season and has been a key figure at center ever since. The three-time Pro Bowler has also been named second-team All-Pro twice, in 2020 and 2023.
Frank Ragnow has been a consistent presence at center for the Lions.
Last season, Detroit made the playoffs for the first time in seven years, advancing to the NFC Championship before losing 34-31 to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Lions’ offense was explosive last season, and they aimed to bolster their defense for 2024 with the signing of Davenport, who joined on a one-year, $6.5 million deal. Davenport has faced injuries throughout his career, including missing significant time last season due to a high ankle sprain.
Starting 2024 at 2-1, Detroit won their home opener against the Los Angeles Rams 26-20 in Week One before narrowly losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-16 in Week Two. Last Sunday, despite injuries, they defeated the Cardinals 20-13 on the road. The Lions are set to face the undefeated Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week Four.
Ragnow dealt with numerous injuries last season, affecting his knee, ankle, back, and toe. The seven-year veteran has acknowledged the physical toll that the NFL season takes on players.
