Detroit Lions fans hoping for a surprise return from All-Pro center Frank Ragnow in 2026 just received crushing news — and it came straight from quarterback Jared Goff.
Ragnow, who officially retired earlier this year, briefly attempted a comeback during the 2025 season. However, that effort came to an abrupt end after a medical evaluation revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain, effectively shutting down any chance of him rejoining the Lions this season.
Frank Ragnow’s Comeback Attempt Ends in Disappointment
After months away from football, Ragnow reported back to the Lions’ facility, sparking excitement among fans. Unfortunately, that optimism didn’t last long.
“Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meetings,” the Lions said in a statement. “Unfortunately, during the routine meeting with our medical team, Frank failed his physical. The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season.
“For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions. Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion.”
While the setback officially ended his 2025 comeback attempt, many fans still held out hope that Ragnow could rehab and return for the 2026 NFL season.
Jared Goff Casts Doubt on a 2026 Return
That hope was quickly dashed.
During his weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket, Jared Goff made it clear that he doesn’t believe a Ragnow return in 2026 is realistic.
“No, I don’t think that’s in the cards at all,” Goff said when asked about Ragnow playing in 2026.
“Of course I’ll talk to Frank,” Goff added. “I just don’t think his interest level is there.”
Goff’s comments strongly suggest that Ragnow’s playing career with the Lions is truly over, closing the door on one of the franchise’s most respected offensive linemen.
Frank Ragnow’s Legacy With the Detroit Lions
Ragnow was selected 20th overall by the Lions in the 2018 NFL Draft and quickly became one of the league’s top centers. Over seven seasons in Detroit, he:
Started 96 games
Earned four Pro Bowl selections
Was named Second-Team All-Pro three times
Signed a four-year, $54 million extension in 2021, briefly becoming the highest-paid center in the NFL
His toughness, leadership, and consistency made him a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line.
Lions May Look to Tate Ratledge at Center in 2026
With Ragnow unlikely to return, Detroit appears focused on developing younger options along the interior offensive line.
Second-round pick Tate Ratledge (57th overall) began training camp as the team’s center before moving to right guard, where he eventually played more offensive snaps than any other Lion this season.
“There’s been growth, and that’s really what you want out of your rookies,” head coach Dan Campbell said. “Being between Graham Glasgow and Penei Sewell has helped. But there’s a ton of growth left.”
Campbell also hinted that Ratledge could still move back to center in the future.
“I know that we felt like he could be a center and that’s still not off the table,” Campbell said. “We watched him at guard; he played right guard in college. He’s a good athlete. He’s a big man. He can move. So, we’ll find out.”
Following Ragnow’s retirement, the Lions shifted Graham Glasgow from guard to center, but long-term answers remain unsettled.
What This Means for the Lions Moving Forward
Jared Goff’s comments appear to close the book on a Frank Ragnow return, forcing Detroit to fully embrace a future without one of its most dependable veterans. How the Lions address the center position — whether through Ratledge’s development, free agency, or the draft — could play a major role in the team’s success in 2026 and beyond.
