After the most viable paths to replace him last offseason were in the rearview mirror, Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement in early June.
It was not an wholly unexpected move, given the litany of injuries he dealt with in recent years. But giving Ragnow the time he needed to make that big decision put the team in a bind. As this season comes to an end, they're still trying to figure out the best path forward to replace him.
In early November, head coach Dan Campbell put the kibosh on any idea Ragnow would come out of retirement this season. Then during Thanksgiving week, news came he was coming back to help a theoretical playoff push.
Then, just as quickly as the comeback news came, three days later it was revealed Ragnow failed his physical due to a Grade 3 hamstring tear and he would not be suiting up this season.
Since then, it has been worth wondering if Ragnow would get healthy and entertain trying to come back next season. Or maybe, the full hamstring tear he seems to have suffered while working out in preparation for his late-season comeback is the sign that will tell him he should stay retired.
In general, with non-football interests to keep him busy, Ragnow seemed content in retirement up until the news he was coming back.
Jared Goff gives his thoughts on a potential Frank Ragnow return
During regular Tuesday appearance on 97.1 The Ticket's "Karsch and Anderson" , Jared Goff was asked if he'll talk to Ragnow this offseason about making another comeback attempt next season.
"No, I don't think that is in the cards at all," Goff said.
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Asked to clarify if that meant he won't be talking to Ragnow, or if Ragnow isn't going to play next season, Goff put a clearer line in the sand.
"Of course I'll talk to Frank. I just don't think his interest level is there."
Goff surely didn't want to speak out of turn in a public forum regarding what Ragnow's plans might be. So he said as little as possible to address a question Lions' fans have been wondering about, as evidenced by the inquiry even being made, while also saying all that needed to be said.
Until shown otherwise, the Lions are treating Ragnow's failed comeback attempt as a one-time thing that just didn't work out. And that's how they should be treating it, as if Ragnow won't be any part of the 2026 plan as an important offseason looms.