The Detroit Lions come into the 2023 season with high expectations. They are the betting favorites in the NFC North and are looking to win the division for the first time in forever. (For context, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the NFC North more recently than the Lions). A big reason for the optimism is the play of the offensive line. However, one player on the line is going to be managing pain for all of 2023. Center Frank Ragnow revealed that he will play through an “inoperable” toe injury.
Detroit Lions Center Frank Ragnow Toe Injury
This injury is nothing new for Ragnow. He injured the toe in week 4 of the 2021 season before reaggravating it at the beginning of the 2022 season. He played through the pain and only missed one game last season. The goal was to get surgery in the offseason but that is not possible. Ragnow said the lack of “healthy tissue” in his left foot is the reason traditional procedures aren’t options. Basically, he has to deal with it. It will be interesting to see whether this affects him at all or whether he can play through it like last season.
Can The Lions Finally Win The Division?
The projected win totals seem to put it at more of a toss-up than the Lions would like. They clearly have the most talented team and the most proven bunch. The offensive line is the best in the league. Amon-Ra St. Brown consistently produces and the defense should be much improved. That does not mean this team is without questions. Jameson Williams is suspended for six games so who fills that void? How much will the defense improve? Can Jared Goff repeat last year’s success? There are a lot of questions for a team that is looking to capture a division title.
The Detroit Lions need to have good injury luck so the news about Frank Ragnow was not what they wanted to hear. He should be able to play through it but the hope was that he would be one hundred percent going into this season. The Lions open the season with a bout against the Kansas City Chiefs.
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