The 29-year-old former All-Pro center needed only three words to explain his shocking return to the Lions
Frank Ragnow, the 29-year-old former All-Pro center for the Detroit Lions, has returned to the team just in time for a huge playoff push.
The odds between the Lions making the postseason and not being dependent on the result of their Week 13 contest against the Green Bay Packers are ridiculously chaotic, so getting a stabilizing force like Ragnow back in the fold is a big deal. If he can look like at least 80 percent of what he looked like for Detroit in 2024, then the center is set to change everything about the team's pass protection.
ESPN's Adam Schefter asked a source close to Ragnow why he decided, now, to come back to the Lions. Outside of the obvious reasons being that they're in dire need of help on their O-line following injuries to Christian Mahogany and now Graham Glasgow, those sources Schefter that he simply "loves the game" too much to have not come back.
Ragnow gives simple reason for shocking return to Lions
Ragnow's love for the game has translated to three All-Pro appearances and four Pro Bowl selections. Last season, he posted a PFF grade of 85.3, good for third overall at the center position in the NFL. He was, simply, one of the best IOL in the league, so his absence was felt immediately by Detroit in Week 1 of the 2025 season.
The plan of running Glasgow out at center while hoping to train up Tate Ratledge to become their long-term answer at center just didn't seem like a fruitful one in that very first game. Green Bay, who has since cooled off, looked like a Super Bowl juggernaut against Detroit's offensive line. Ragnow not around to protect Goff led to quite a few pressures and a far flatter offense for the Lions.
Detroit is currently in third place with a 7-4 record headed into their Thanksgiving game versus the Packers, who sit in second place. Getting a win could help improve the Lions' record to 8-4, and would tie up the regular-season head-to-head record between themselves and the Packers. That could be big by Week 18, when there's sure to be a tight race in the NFC for final spots in the postseason.
Ragnow's return helps solidify the line against some elite pass-rushing teams Detroit will be handling the next few weeks, like of the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Minnesota Vikings.
Jayden Daniels just affirmed what Commanders fans always suspected
Jayden Daniels is making his triumphant return to practice this week. The Washington Commanders have not cleared the quarterback for contact yet, but this next step will allow him to get back into the groove before potentially featuring down the stretch.
That issue has been a subject of fierce debate among fans and experts alike. Some fans are worried about what another serious injury would do to the signal-caller's long-term outlook, especially in relatively meaningless games. Others think Daniels needs the reps, given that head coach Dan Quinn wants to alter the way he conducts himself on the field slightly.
And that seems almost guaranteed, despite the pleas from concerned supporters.
Jayden Daniels confirmed that he'll play for the Commanders again this season
Daniels' return to practice sooner than expected after dislocating his elbow against the Seattle Seahawks is encouraging. And the player confirmed what Commanders fans always expected: he wants to get back, and sooner rather than later.
"If I'm healthy and ready to go, I want to be out there. It's a day-by-day process. Kind of just getting back in the rhythm of things and the flow of things. It's my second year in the NFL; you learn a lot of different things. It wouldn't be my first time going through adversity. It's important as a player. You want to go back and play as a competitor. That's who I am."
Jayden Daniels via Commanders.com
Everyone has an opinion. But those who believe Daniels shouldn't play in Washington's remaining games are taking away what makes the dual-threat weapon so special.
His elite mentality and relentless determination dragged the Commanders from the proverbial wilderness and back into the spotlight. Daniels has suffered some problems on the field this season, but coaching scared is not an option for Quinn. And if there is a desire for the LSU product to alter his style and improve his ability to risk-assess in the line of fire, the best way to do so is through reps in a competitive setting.
Some might not like it. They believe Daniels should be bubble-wrapped until preparations for the 2026 campaign begin. The Commanders are playing for nothing with their postseason hopes long gone at 3-8, but throwing in the towel sends the wrong message.
Daniels won't play in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football. But when he does get the all-clear to take his place under center, potentially the week after at the Minnesota Vikings, he'll be leading the charge once again.
Anyone can get hurt in the NFL at any time. That's just the way it is, so finding the right balance between risk and reward is far more beneficial than sitting Daniels out entirely.
