Calvin Johnson chats with Shelia Ford Hamp before Lions game
Detroit Lions legend Calvin Johnson chats with owner Shelia Ford Hamp on the sidelines before the Thanksgiving Day game vs. Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.
Frank Ragnow’s comeback is over.
The Detroit Lions announced that Ragnow failed a physical when he reported to the team Friday, Nov. 29, two days after they removed him from the reserved/retired list in hopes of having him play this season.
Ragnow had a Grade 3 hamstring strain, the Lions said in a statement.
“Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meetings,” the statement read. “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.”
Ragnow, 29, retired abruptly in June after seven NFL seasons. He made four Pro Bowls, was a three-time second-team All-Pro and battled a slew of injuries throughout his career.
The Lions’ offensive line has struggled in Ragnow’s absence this season. The team moved Graham Glasgow from left guard to center as Ragnow’s replacement and has relied on two first-year starters, rookie Tate Ratledge and second-year pro Christian Mahogany, at right and left guard most of the season.
Glasgow missed the Lions’ Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury and Mahogany is out likely until the playoffs with a broken bone in his leg.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said after the Packers game he was excited for Ragnow’s return.
“Fired up to get Frank, to get him back,” Campbell said. “He wants to play, wants to be a part of it, he misses the game and misses his teammates. So really fired up, man.”
The Lions’ statement insinuated Ragnow will not play in 2026.
“Frank has alwasy been a team-first guy and is a true warrior,” the statement read. “He will forever be a Lion.”
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.
