The Detroit Lions may be off to a 2-1 start but they find themselves battling the injury bug. Key players Frank Ragnow and Sam LaPorta are facing injuries that could have significant ramifications for the team's upcoming games and overall season strategy.
The Frank Ragnow Dilemma
Frank Ragnow, the Lions' stalwart center, suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle during the Week 3 game against the Arizona Cardinals. While he managed to play through the injury, Coach Dan Campbell has stated that Ragnow will not play against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. "We’re not going to mess with that," Campbell said, citing the need to be cautious early in the season as reported by ClutchPoints.
The absence of this three-time Pro Bowler is a tough pill to swallow, especially considering he leads one of the best offensive lines in the league. Graham Glasgow is most likely to step into Ragnow's role at center, as highlighted by The Oakland Press and ESPN. Glasgow's versatility will be crucial, but it remains to be seen who will fill his shoes at left guard, with candidates like Kayode Awosika, Michael Niese, and even undrafted rookie Kingsley Eguakun being considered.
Sam LaPorta's Ankle Woes
Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta sprained his ankle in the same game against the Cardinals. He managed to return in a limited fashion but is still up in the air for the upcoming game against Seattle. According to ClutchPoints, LaPorta did not practice as of Thursday, but tight ends coach Steve Heiden remains optimistic about his return, contingent on medical clearance.
Other Injuries Loom Large
The list of injured Lions doesn't end with Ragnow and LaPorta. The team has already placed Derrick Barnes and Marcus Davenport on Injured Reserve, with Barnes dealing with a knee injury and Davenport out for the season with an elbow issue (LionsWire). On a slightly brighter note, defensive tackle Alim McNeill and safety Brian Branch were seen practicing, which bodes well for their availability against Seattle (Pride of Detroit).
The Path Ahead
The Lions will face the undefeated Seattle Seahawks on Monday night in what promises to be a challenging game. With crucial players like Ragnow ruled out and LaPorta's status still uncertain, the team will need to rally around their depth and versatility. As Coach Campbell emphasized, smart decisions early in the season could pay dividends later.
Despite these setbacks, the Detroit Lions have shown resilience. Their "next man up" mentality will be put to the test, but if they navigate these injury blues effectively, they can still keep pace in the NFC North.
Conclusion
While injuries to key players like Frank Ragnow and Sam LaPorta cast a shadow over the team's strong start, the Lions have the depth and determination to withstand these challenges. How they adapt and strategize in the face of these hurdles will shape not just their upcoming games, but the trajectory of their entire season.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Lions injury videos from the Cardinals game from
Lions Week 4 injury report: 3 starters return to practice from Erik Schlitt, Pride Of Detroit
Lions' Sam LaPorta gets concerning injury update ahead of Seahawks game from ClutchPoints
'Swiss Army Knife' Graham Glasgow ready to step in at center if called on by Lions from The Detroit News
3-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow declared out for Lions against Seahawks with pectoral injury from The Oakland Press
Lions' Sam LaPorta missed practice after ankle injury from ClutchPoints
Sam LaPorta injury update: Latest news on Detroit Lions TE's Week 4 status from Sporting News
Lions' Dan Campbell rules Frank Ragnow out for Monday Night Football clash with Seahawks from ClutchPoints
Pressers and scrums: Ragnow ruled out, Robinson promoted and 2023 Ravens tape of little help in Seahawks prep from Justin Rogers, Detroit Football Network
Lions rule Ragnow out for MNF game vs. Seattle from ESPN