Frank Ragnow’s brief return to the Detroit Lions ended almost as quickly as it began. Just three days after deciding to unretire, the veteran center was ruled out again when a physical revealed a severe Grade 3 hamstring tear — an outcome that hurts both him and a team already scrambling for stability.

Ragnow’s comeback would’ve been more than a morale boost. His return would have allowed Graham Glasgow to slide back to right guard, the spot where he’s historically played his best football. Instead, the Lions are right back where they started, with Glasgow forced to remain at center.

And that’s been a major issue.

Without Ragnow, Glasgow has struggled mightily in the middle of an offensive line that usually ranks among the league’s best. This year, the unit has slipped noticeably, sitting 28th in pass block win rate and 17th in run block win rate, according to ESPN’s 2025 metrics. Glasgow has been a big part of that drop-off. No center has surrendered more QB hits — he’s already allowed eight, per Pro Football Focus — and while only one has turned into a sack on Jared Goff, the constant pressure has disrupted the timing and rhythm of Detroit’s offense.

His overall PFF grade of 59.3 places him near the bottom of all qualifying centers, and the versatility that once made him an asset has now highlighted how big the gap is between him and Ragnow. Detroit previously leaned on Glasgow as a temporary fill-in, which may have created unrealistic confidence in his ability to handle the role full time.

Ragnow’s surprising attempt at a comeback was less about luxury and more about necessity for a Lions team unexpectedly fighting to stay in playoff position. Coming off three straight Pro Bowls and back-to-back All-Pro Second Team selections, his absence looms large. He stepped away from the game still playing at an elite level, and his return could have altered the NFC playoff picture — as well as Glasgow’s performance — in meaningful ways.

For a moment, it seemed like Ragnow was returning just in time to stabilize Detroit’s protection and let Glasgow play where he’s most comfortable. Instead, the Lions are left in the same difficult situation they were in before, with their offensive line searching for answers and a major problem still unresolved.