Frank Ragnow couldn't stay away from the game for a full season.
The four-time Pro Bowl center with the Lions, is coming out retirement to rejoin Detroit, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday, per sources close to Ragnow.
Ragnow has stayed in shape and will be ready to play sooner rather than later, Rapoport added. Ragnow was subsequently moved from the reserve/retired list to the exempt/commissioner permission list, the team announced.
Consider it a Thanksgiving miracle. Ragnow retired in early June after weighing his future against the many injuries (including a concussion, groin, foot, knee, pectoral and even a fractured throat) he'd suffered during his seven NFL seasons, leaving a massive void on the Lions' offensive line.
Detroit replaced him by moving Graham Glasgow over from guard to center and, having drafted Georgia guard Tate Ratledge, formed a new starting five, which has been forced to weather additional injuries in recent weeks.
Upon proving he's ready to return to the field, Ragnow would likely slot in at center, allowing Glasgow to move back to guard, where former undrafted free agent Kayode Awosikais playing opposite Ratledge. Ragnow's return would bolster the unit significantly and fill a need that has increased in importance in recent weeks as opposing defenses have had success in pressuring quarterback @jared goff
The Lions' social media account celebrated the news quickly Wednesday afternoon, posting a picture of Ragnow running out of the Ford Field tunnel. That image will soon become a reality once again.
