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Frank Ragnow (Photo: From his foundation posted before his physical)
For a fleeting moment, the Detroit Lions and their fans had renewed hope of making it to the playoffs with center Frank Ragnow coming out of retirement.
But those hopes vanished quickly after Ragnow failed his physical Friday due to a Grade 3 hamstring strain.
The Cleveland Clinic website says a Grade 3 hamstring strain is where the muscles are completely torn. It also says Grade 2 and Grade 3 strains usually cause a loss of strength in the a hamstring. Grade 3 strains often require surgery.
Now, realistically, things don't look great. In fact, if the Lions lose Thursday at home to the Dallas Cowboys, Coach Dan Campbell could see his team out of the playoff picture, watching former Lions offensive coach Ben Johnson waltz into the postseason with a vastly improved Chicago Bears.
"Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meetings," the Detroit Lions said in a statement posted on social media. "Unfortunately, during the routine meeting with our medical team, Frank failed his physical.
"The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season. For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions. Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion."
