Detroit Lions Dealt Tough News Ahead of Cowboys Matchup

The Detroit Lions (10-2) will try to put a frustrating Thanksgiving loss behind them when they welcome the Dallas Cowboys (6-6) to Ford Field for a Week 14 prime-time clash on Thursday Night Football.

Quarterback Jared Goff has enjoyed another strong campaign, connecting on 264 of 378 attempts for 3,025 yards with 25 touchdowns against just five picks, good for a sparkling 110.2 passer rating through 12 contests. Detroit’s offense remains one of the league’s most dangerous units, sitting fourth in both yards per game (376.3) and scoring (29.2).

The Lions had hoped to receive a major boost up front this week with the anticipated return of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, who shocked the NFL world by announcing his retirement at age 29 before the season.

On Wednesday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the four-time Pro Bowler was reversing course and coming out of retirement, with Thursday’s game against Dallas marking his first eligible contest.

Those plans were quickly derailed. On Saturday, the team delivered disappointing news after Ragnow reported for a physical.

“Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meeting,” the Lions’ 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.”

The development is another blow to a Detroit offensive line that has already surrendered 26 sacks in 12 games—on pace to exceed last year’s total of 33 over 17 contests. Starting center Graham Glasgow sat out the Thanksgiving loss to Green Bay with a knee injury, forcing backup Trystan Colon into the lineup. The makeshift unit struggled, allowing three sacks in a 31-24 defeat to the Packers.

Ragnow, a 2018 first-round pick, had cemented himself as one of the premier centers in football, earning Pro Bowl nods in each of the last three seasons (2022–2024) before stepping away.

With Ragnow officially out for the year and Glasgow’s status uncertain, the Lions will once again ask their depth pieces to hold up against a Dallas defense that has found its stride during a current three-game winning streak.

Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET and the game will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.