The Detroit Lions shocked the NFL world on Thanksgiving Eve when four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow announced he is coming out of retirement. But now that he’s officially back on the roster, the biggest question fans are asking is: When will Frank Ragnow play again for the Detroit Lions?
Ragnow Won’t Play on Thanksgiving vs. Packers
Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Green Bay Packers is off the table. The Lions won’t rush him back into action, and the coaching staff needs a short ramp-up period before putting the 6-foot-5, 311-pound lineman back into the starting lineup.
Earliest Possible Return: Week 14 vs. Cowboys — But Unlikely
The Lions’ next home game, a Thursday Night Football showdown with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, is technically the earliest window for Ragnow to take the field again.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Ragnow playing in Week 14 is “unlikely for now.”
Detroit wants to ensure he’s fully conditioned before returning to game action.
Most Likely Return Date: Week 15 vs. Rams
According to multiple reports, including Schefter’s, Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams is the most realistic target for Ragnow’s comeback. This would be his first game action since Detroit’s loss to the Washington Commanders in the 2024 Divisional Round.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that Ragnow is “in shape and ready to roll sooner rather than later,” giving Lions fans hope that his return could come quickly once he’s activated.
Why Ragnow Had to Be Reinstated Before Week 13
League rules require any player on the reserve-retired list to be reinstated before his team’s Week 13 game. For the Lions, that deadline was Wednesday ahead of their Thanksgiving matchup. Ragnow met that deadline, making him eligible to return this season.
Detroit’s Offensive Line Needs Him Now
The timing is ideal for an injury-plagued Lions offensive line.
Current starting center Graham Glasgow is out for Thanksgiving with a knee injury, leaving Detroit shorthanded in the middle.
Once Ragnow completes his ramp-up period, he will reclaim his starting center role. That creates a new question: What happens to Glasgow?
Glasgow could move back to left guard, where he played before Ragnow retired.
Christian Mahogany, who has been recovering from a lower-leg injury, is eligible to return after Week 14.
The Lions will have decisions to make, but getting Ragnow back is a massive boost for their playoff push.
Ragnow’s Retirement and Comeback
Ragnow stunned fans in June when he announced his retirement on Instagram after seven seasons. But Detroit reportedly stayed in contact with him throughout his time away, discussing a potential return if he felt ready.
Now, with the Lions battling injuries and fighting for playoff positioning, Frank Ragnow’s comeback couldn’t be happening at a better time.
