3 Detroit Lions who deserve to make the Pro Bowl
2. C Frank Ragnow
Ragnow missed a big chunk of last season with a toe injury, and he has been dealing with a new injury to the same toe for virtually this whole season after it happened in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. He missed Week 2 against the Washington Commanders, but otherwise he has played every snap of the other 13 games this season and done so at a high level.
Back in November, via Justin Rogers of The Detroit News, Ragnow talked about how much time he spends in the training room and how friendly he is with the Lions’ medical staff.
"Oh yeah, I freaking live in that place,” he said. “We’re all best friends in there, unfortunately.”"
Former NFL general manager Scott Pioli praised Ragnow during and after last Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.
@Lions OC Frank Ragnow (77) has been fantastic this year & not enough talking about him. Smart, strong, tough & productive. ID's defense & rarely makes mistakes - difference maker for #OnePride @CBSSportsHQ @nflnetwork #NFL
— Scott Pioli (@scottpioli51) December 18, 2022
A few early snaps from today: pic.twitter.com/z8xYkVYt3S
Ordinarily, someone with an injury like Ragnow has would bow out of the Pro Bowl if they were selected and an alternate would take his place. But the lightness of the event this year means he can probably just snap the ball in the flag football game, and/or likely do whatever competition there might be for lineman after a few weeks rest. And yes, I’m calling it “a few weeks rest” and exposing myself to the vitriol of Lions’ fans.
The Lions aren’t going to be in the Super Bowl, which would mean no Pro Bowl for any selected players, and they won’t be favored to win a playoff game if they get a Wild Card spot. So Ragnow will have some time to get right before Feb. 5 in Las Vegas.