Ragnow’s Injury Inoperable, Causing Big Toe Problems

Frank Ragnow’s Toe Injury Inoperable

Ragnow tore the plantar plate in his left foot in Week 4 of the 2021 season, missing the rest of the year. It was painfully obvious that the Lions rushing attack and time Goff had to throw were affected. The role of the center is often overlooked, but I can assure you it is just as critical of a role as the left tackle. Taylor Decker was also lost the majority of the 2021 season, playing in a limited capacity, the final 9 games.

Ragnow re-tore his plantar plate on the opening drive during the week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. With “no healthy tissue left” in his toe, Ragnow’s toe injury is now rendered inoperable. Which means, if he injures it again there is nothing that can be done, other than time off to heal. Losing Ragnow will be a huge blow to this offenses ability to function at a high level in 2023.

Lions Add A Former Piece Of The Family Back To The Offensive Line

Graham Glasgow was brought in as an offensive line utility player. He will most likely get the start at right guard come week 1, depending on what happens with camp competition with Vaitai. His versatility allows him to slide into both guard positions and center should anyone go down.

Glasgow has a ton of playing experience with Decker & Ragnow. In 2016, he was drafted as the backup to then center, Travis Swanson. In 2017, Glasgow was moved to left guard until 2018, when he took over at center after Travis Swanson’s departure during free agency.

Ragnow was drafted in 2018 as the eventual center, but moved to left guard while Glasgow manned the position. In 2019, Glasgow was moved to right guard as Ragnow began his reign at the center position for the #DetroitLions. Glasgow left the Lions during free agency in 2019.

Glasgow has often been relegated as one of the better center / guard hybrids in the league. His starting experience at right guard, left guard and center is exactly what the Lions needed for 2023 to keep this Lions offensive line in tact. However, Glasgow is not the full time answer due to his age and limiting one year deal.

Lions Avoid Addressing The Offensive Line In 2023 Draft

It is a bit perplexing that the Lions did not address this position in the draft with an interior linemen / center hybrid selection. A position that is of great future importance, and a versatility piece that Brad Holmes loves to have on the roster. The Lions did however select offensive tackle Colby Sorsdal, in the 5th round. Sorsdal has a lack of arm length typically seen at the tackle position. He may be better utilized as an interior linemen at the right guard position. We will watch for this to progress as it could be the eventual direction the Lions take when addressing the right guard spot after the 2023 season.

Longshot Approach

The Lions also brought in Brad Cecil as a UDFA in 2023. He helped lead the USF Bulls to prominence with the running game in 2021 & 2022. With a rushing average of 197.92 yards per game in 2022, school record of 421 rushing yards in a single game in 2021. Cecil anchored the USF line as the center.

Brad Cecil’s Awards & Mentions

2023 USF Muma College of Business 25 Under 25 Honoree
2022 Honorable Mention All-AAC (Coaches)
2022 Steve Walz Perseverance Award
2022 Athlon Preseason All-AAC Third Team
2021 Athlon All-Conference Fourth Team
2020 Athlon Preseason All-Conference Second Team
2020 Phil Steele Preseason All-Conference Fourth Team
Top 20 National Recruit As A Center

Ragnow Is Here To Stay

Ragnow is signed through 2026 with about $30 million in dead cap remaining on his contract. Ragnow is rated as a top 5 center and regarded as one of the best centers in the league, and we believe that too. Which leaves the Lions in a bit of a quandary to do anything other than be hopeful the injury doesn’t limit his playing time.

It would make the most sense that the Lions are in a holding pattern, a wait and see approach with Ragnow’s health. At which point the Lions would most likely address this position in the 2024 draft. In an effort to manage cap space, groom the next man up and keep the Lions offensive line healthy. The good news is, most top rated centers can be found in the 2nd or 3rd round. The Lions currently have two 3rd round selections in 2024.

Feel rest assured that Ragnow isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We can only hope that he has continued health and remains a Lion for a long time yet. He has shown the guts to play through the pain, and puts 110% effort into every snap. He is the heartbeat of this Lions offensive line and it shows when he is not in the game. Injuries to some may seem small, like fingers or toes. These injuries can be the most limiting and worst pain any linemen can play through. Having to plant or anchor down, drive or turn on your toes is a key component to any interior linemen’s ability to set and get into position.

The good news is, Frank can still go fishing where he doesn’t have to worry about opposing linemen stomping on his feet. Frank has put together an amazing channel called, Grizzly Man Outdoors. You can watch all the fun and excitement here on Frank Ragnow’s YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@GrizzlyManOutdoors