Lions Announce Unfortunate News Before Cowboys Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 11:51 AM ET

Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14 on "Thursday Night Football." They're looking to bounce back after losing to the Green Bay Packers 31-24 on Thanksgiving Day.

Goff has been solid through the first 12 games, completing 264-of-378 passes for 3,025 yards, 25 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 110.2 passer rating.

The Lions have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. They rank fourth in total yards per game (376.3 ) and fourth in points per game (29.2). The unit was set to get some reinforcement as well, including center Frank Ragnow.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and former center Frank Ragnow (77).Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Before the season started, Ragnow announced his retirement at just 29 years old. However, on Wednesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the center was coming out of retirement. His first game eligible to come back would be against the Cowboys.

Unfortunately, on Saturday, the Lions announced that a medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain, preventing Ragnow from playing this season.

"Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meeting," the Lions wrote. "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."

Statement from the Detroit Lions pic.twitter.com/0qHJXzg35t
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 29, 2025

After being selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Ragnow established himself as one of the NFL's best centers. He earned four Pro Bowl appearances, including three straight from 2022-24.

He was set to bolster an offensive line that has struggled to protect Goff. Detroit has given up 26 sacks in 12 games this season, compared to 2024 when they gave up 33 in 17 games.

To make matters worse, the Lions' starting center, Graham Glasgow, missed Week 13 due to a knee injury. Trystan Colon started in place and could once again if Glasgow isn't ready against the Cowboys. The offensive line struggled against the Packers, allowing Goff to be sacked three times.

Despite the unfortunate news on Ragnow, Detroit moves on, looking to stop a Dallas team that is on a three-game winning streak.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at Ford Field, airing on Amazon Prime Video.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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