The Detroit Lions are getting a huge and unexpected lift, just in time to make a playoff push.
The Lions reinstated Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow from the reserve/retired list Wednesday, Nov. 26, nearly six months after he abruptly retired.
According to ESPN , the Lions had until 4 p.m. Wednesday to activate Ragnow from the reserve/retired list for him to be able to play this season.
"Frank Ragnow isn't done yet," Ragnow's charitable foundation, the Rags Remembered Foundation, wrote on the social media site X . "After stepping away from the game, he's made the decision to return to the field. His work through the foundation will continue, his impact will continue, and now, his journey on the field continues as well. are so proud of you, Frank!"
Ragnow retired unexpectedly in June , and the Lions (7-4) have struggled on their offensive line in his absence. They're scoring about four points per game fewer than they did last year, and quarterback Jared Goff is on pace to be sacked a career-high 36 times.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said earlier this month "that ship has sailed" when asked about the possibility of Ragnow returning, but the team posted a cryptic photo on social media hours, of Ragnow running out of the tunnel, alone, with his hand raised, hours before making the move official.
Ragnow, who is on the commissioner's exempt list for now, did not respond to a voice message seeking comment.
"Here's what I know about Frank," Campbell said earlier this month. "If Frank really wanted to, he would be blowing my phone up and I haven't gotten a text yet. So I think Frank is feeling good about his decision and look, they just had another baby so happy for them and he's – that ship has sailed."
With Ragnow at center, the Lions had one of the best offensive lines in football in recent years, but the unit has struggled with communication and consistency this fall.
The Lions moved Graham Glasgow from left guard to center this summer to replace Ragnow, and have two new starters at guard in rookie Tate Ratledge and second-year pro Christian Mahogany .
Mahogany is on injured reserve with a broken bone in his leg, though he expects to be back by the playoffs.
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The Lions out ruled Glasgow, one of the lowest-graded centers in the NFL this season by Pro Football Focus, for their Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury.
A three-time second-team All-Pro selection at center, Ragnow has struggled with a slew of injuries in recent years including a chronic toe problem.
It's unclear how long it will take him to get back in playing shape, though he could return as early as next Thursday's game against the Dallas Cowboys .
When he retired in June, Ragnow had two years left on his contract. He was scheduled to make $9.15 million in base salary this fall.
"I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don't," Ragnow wrote on Instagram at the time of his retirement. "I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.
"The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can't emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all."
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com . Follow him on Bluesky , X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Frank Ragnow ends retirement to rejoin Detroit Lions
