Frank Ragnow's comeback has hit a major snag.
The four-time Pro Bowl center, who was attempting to end his retirement and return to the Lions this week, has failed his physical and will not be rejoining Detroit, the team announced Saturday.
"Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meetings," the Lions said in a statement. "Unfortunately, during the routine meeting with our medical team, Frank failed his physical. The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season. For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions. Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion."
Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed his disappointment to reporters Saturday and said that the club was aware of a hamstring injury but the severity of it wasn't so clear until the physical. Campbell added that a potential return for Ragnow in 2026 was never discussed.
Ragnow, 29, retired in early June after weighing his future following a seven-year career.
The Lions moved Graham Glasgow from guard to center upon Ragnow's retirement. Rookie Tate Ratledge fulfilled Glasgow's old spot but injuries across Detroit's entire offensive line have cause problems for the offense.
Ragnow's decision to end his retirement after less than a full season was a welcomed happening for a Lions (7-5) team struggling to stack wins in recent weeks. Detroit will now have to go forward the same way in which its season started: without Ragnow.
