Former All-Pro C Frank Ragnow is reportedly returning to the NFL after a brief retirement, per Ian Rapoport on X. The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Lions in just a few weeks on Dec. 21.
“The Lions offensive line just got a lot better, as one the game’s greats will return — Center Frank Ragnow is returning. Sounds like he’s in shape and ready to roll sooner, rather than later,” Rapoport wrote.
The #Lions offensive line just got a lot better, as one the game's greats will return — Center Frank Ragnow is returning. Sounds like he's in shape and ready to roll sooner, rather than later. pic.twitter.com/FwSnw3Hd04
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 26, 2025
The Lions already have a top 10 offensive line, at least according to Pro Football Focus, but C Graham Glasgow has been a weak link for the group. If Ragnow can return to his prior form, that’s a massive upgrade for an already strong group.
He announced that he was retiring from the NFL in early June after a short, but very strong seven-year career. He was originally drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and was named to four Pro Bowls and three second-team All-Pro teams. He was at the height of his game when he decided to retire. He cited his health and prioritizing his family as the reason why, but another strong season for the Lions may have lured him back.
From left to right, an offensive line of Taylor Decker, Kayode Awosika, Frank Ragnow, Tate Ratledge, and Penei Sewell is more than formidable. That group has three Pro Bowlers and two All-Pros. Ragnow has a chance to elevate them from a top 10 offensive line to a top five group, if not better.
The Lions are already the No. 4 ranked total offense with 378.5 yards per game and the No. 3 rushing offense with 139.8 yards per game. They also boast the No. 2 scoring offense with 29.6 points per game. That could prove to be a big problem for the Steelers when they travel to Detroit just before Christmas, especially with almost no margin for error at 6-5 in a crowded AFC playoff field.
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