Among the 32 NFL teams, the Detroit Lions are the only ones never to be able to clinch the Super Bowl. Led by quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions are currently on a determined journey to realize their long-aspired dream of clinching the championship, with Frank Ragnow playing a crucial role as the heart of the Lions’ offensive line.
However, concerns have surfaced about Ragnow’s potential absence in the upcoming NFL Conference Championship game. The latest update on his injury provides a glimmer of hope for the team’s fans, offering a ray of optimism before this crucial matchup.
Will Frank Ragnow play against the 49ers?
Despite battling a sprained knee and ankle, Frank Ragnow is expected to power through and not miss the NFC title game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
#Lions All-Pro center Frank Ragnow suffered both a sprained knee and a sprained ankle in Sunday’s win over the #Bucs, sources say. Ragnow missed a few plays, then somehow went back in.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 22, 2024
He is expected to play in the NFC Championship Game. 🤕🤷🏻♂️👿
While his sportsmanship earned him admiration from his teammates in the Lions’ locker room, Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed his admiration for his tenacity in an interview with reporters. Campbell talked about Ragnow’s belief in his ability to produce even at less than 100%, mentioning trust in himself and his fellow teammates.
“Frank’s a stud. You know, that’s what he does. He’s willing to lay it on the line, and he’s not going to miss it. We talk about it all the time … you may not be 100 percent, but if you feel like you can produce and you can win at 80 percent of yourself — and it’s what Frank does. He believes he can, and he trusts himself, and he trusts those guys next to him.”
Meanwhile, the upcoming playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers marks Detroit’s second appearance in the NFL Conference Championship. The game is slated to be held on January 28 at Levi’s Stadium.
Prior to the game, his injury status obviously came out as a major hope for going one step closer to their Super Bowl dream.
Frank Ragnow reportedly played through injury against Buccaneers
Frank Ragnow once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the team during the divisional-round victory over the Buccaneers. Despite dealing with multiple sprains, the two-time Second Team All-Pro refused to yield and played every offensive snap.
![Frank Ragnow](https://www.sportsknot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/xusa_today_21497300.0-1-1024x683.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Lwmd0Sl9CI.jpg)
The Lions’ center sustained these injuries during the team’s recent victory, with video replays capturing the awkward twist of his knee at the line of scrimmage.
It caused him evident discomfort, for which he briefly left the field after the initial injury but returned to play. However, fate had other plans as he faced another injury on a critical fourth-and-goal play, with his ankle getting twisted up. Amid the physical toll, the Lions’ hero continued to stun everyone with his determination.
During his second injury, he was spotted wincing in pain, but as a three-time Pro Bowler, he has consistently displayed a high level of play.
His determination is not a one-time occurrence for Ragnow. Throughout his six-year career, he has battled through various injuries, including playing with a toe injury over the last two seasons. Notably, in the last season, he faced a torn meniscus but only missed one game in December after undergoing surgery, as per Fox Sports.
As the team gears up to face Brock Purdy’s team, Ragnow’s toughness and dedication are expected to play a crucial role in the Lions’ pursuit of victory.