Frank Ragnow decided to try to show Dan Campbell he was healthy before Week 4

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow added to his list of injuries with a partially torn pectoral in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. He missed Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks, over his expected desire to play, as Dan Campbell pointed to being smart with the injury ahead of the bye in Week 5.

Campbell did his weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket Wednesday morning. In talking about Ragnow and Brian Branch, who both missed Week 4, he hinted both guys will be able to play in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys.

“I think that we had a few more injuries here early in the season that you would hope for," Campbell said. "Look, I think everything happens for a reason and it worked out for us. It looks like we’re gonna get Frank back, and I think B.B. is in a good place. So it’s good, and now here we go.” 

Dan Campbell shares story about how Frank Ragnow tried to prove his health

Campbell continued with a story that is quintessential Ragnow, not to mention an interesting mental picture of a moment in the building before the game against the Seahawks.

"Last week, right before Seattle, I walked down there to talk to our trainer and somebody punches me against the wall," Campbell said. "And I’m not even paying attention because I’m looking at our trainer. And then I get punched again and I realize it’s Frank and he’s trying to show me that his pec is great. That’s his way of telling me, ‘Look how strong I am. It’s good, it’s healed.’

Campbell got down to the mindset that has allowed Ragnow to play through the injuries he has in his career.

"This guy, he’s as throwback as they get,” Campbell said. “He will play through any injury and he will will himself to go. He’s in a good mindset, he’s ready and he wants to go.” 

So, with the benefit of the bye week, it looks Ragnow will miss just one game with an injury (depending on the severity) that can sideline a player for a month or two. And if he had it his way, all the way to getting a little physical with his head coach, he wouldn't have missed any games.