Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow has shocked Lions fans with an announcement on social media that he will be returning to the NFL. The Lions' official team page on X/Twitter posted a picture of the center running out of the tunnel with no caption, but NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that the image suggests exactly what fans hope for: Ragnow is returning.
This is a huge development for the Lions as Ragnow was sorely missed from the team's starting offensive line. Their center woes have been notable with Graham Glasgow doing his best to adjust from being the team's guard to a center. It's led to a notable decline in the pass protection provided to Jared Goff.
It's not immediately clear if Ragnow can start for Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers, which is tomorrow. But, it's obvious he'll be ramping up to action for a huge postseason push for Detroit to make, and it's abundantly clear that the team likes their chances of making a push if they managed to get Ragnow back just in time for one.
Ragnow un-retires, insider suggests return is imminent
The All-Pro center might be back sooner rather than later, according to Rapoport.
The #Lions offensive line just got a lot better, as one the game's greats will return -- Center Frank Ragnow is returning. Sounds like he's in shape and ready to roll sooner, rather than later. pic.twitter.com/FwSnw3Hd04
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 26, 2025
Ragnow is coming back to an injured offensive line, and one that'll be missing their current starting center in Graham Glasgow, against the Packers on Thanksgiving. Glasgow was officially listed as out against Green Bay for Week 13, which makes Rapoport's wording here a little more interesting. It feels next to impossible that Ragnow will be good to roll by tomorrow afternoon.
But, stranger things have happened in sports.
One thing's for sure: if Ragnow comes running out that tunnel at Ford Field before a huge divisional showdown against the Packers, the roof might blow off the place.
This breaking story is being updated as more information becomes available.