The Detroit Lions and their fans got a very pleasant surprise on Wednesday after center Frank Ragnow decided to come out of retirement.
Ragnow unexpectedly retired during the offseason, but the Lions made it official that he is coming back after reinstating him from the reserve/retired list on Wednesday, which was the final day Detroit was able to do so.
This is obviously great news for the Lions, who definitely needed a reinforcement on the offensive line for their playoff push amid injuries upfront.
But when exactly will Ragnow make his return? Here's what we know.
Is Frank Ragnow playing today?
Ragnow will not suit up for the Lions in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, as he must first be activated from the exempt/commissioner permission list, where he was placed upon being removed from the reserve/retired list.
And we shouldn't expect Ragnow to return in Week 14, either, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, who notes that Week 15 is more likely for the four-time Pro Bowler.
"Frank Ragnow’s first chance to play for the Lions will come next Thursday vs. the Cowboys, though it is considered unlikely for now, per source. A potential return-to-play date is Dec. 14 at the LA Rams," Schefter reported.
It isn't surprising Ragnow will need more time to return. After all, he hasn't played in a game since last season and didn't have a full offseason to get ready for 2025.
Week 14 is also on a Thursday, otherwise Ragnow might have had enough time to get ready for that game.
Nevertheless, the important thing is he's around for the stretch run of the season, which he will be.
Upon his return, Ragnow will go back to center, which will push Graham Glasgow back to guard, where the Lions are missing Christian Mahogany. That will send Kayode Awosika to the bench.
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