Frank Ragnow is coming out of retirement.
The Lions appeared to confirm the news after multiple reports suggested that the 29-year-old offensive lineman would be back to play center for Detroit, which is slated to play the Packers on Thursday during Thanksgiving Day.
It’s unclear when he will take the field for the Lions and if he’ll immediately have a role as a starter on the Lions’ offensive line.
Ragnow retired in June, citing health reasons for the decision, but that doesn’t seem to be enough to keep the longtime center off the field.
Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions talks with Frank Ragnow #77 prior to an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings. Getty Images
It will be a boost for the Lions’ offensive line, which has been up and down this season while struggling to protect quarterback Jared Goff, who has been sacked 23 times.
Ironically, earlier this month, Lions coach Dan Campbell asserted that the “ship has sailed” on Ragnow returning to the NFL.
“Here’s what I know about Frank: If Frank really wanted to (play), he would be blowing my phone up, and I haven’t gotten a text yet,” Campbell said during a radio interview on 97.1 The Ticket.
Ragnow played in and started 96 games over the course of his career.
All but 16 of those appearances had been at center and he was named a Pro Bowler four times during his career.
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Ragnow was a first-round pick in 2018 by the Lions out of Arkansas, where he had been a two-time All-American.
The decision was celebrated by recently retired Eagles center Jason Kelce on social media.
“This is awesome for the Lions, can’t wait to watch Frank back out there doing his thing!” Kelce wrote on X.
The Lions are currently 7-5 this season and on the outside looking in in terms of NFC playoff teams.