Already without starting right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai with a back injury, the Detroit Lions could also be without Pro Bowl center when they open the 2022 regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Ragnow was not on the field during the open portion of Thursday’s practice session in Allen Park. No. 77 was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a groin injury.
Vaitai is on injured reserve and will miss the first four games, at minimum. Ragnow missed all but the first four games of 2021 with a toe injury that required surgery.
Further complicating the interior offensive line picture is Tommy Kraemer’s status. The presumptive replacement for Vaitai at RG in the starting lineup has missed both practices this week with a back injury of his own. Logan Stenberg is the next man up at guard.
If Ragnow can’t play, Evan Brown will fill in at center. Brown played well in Ragnow’s absence a year ago but doesn’t offer the high-end ability Ragnow brings. The Lions signed center Ross Pierschbacher to the practice squad as insurance; Kraemer is the only other Lions lineman who has taken reps at center and would normally be the emergency option in the pivot.
The Lions will release the Week 1 final injury report after Friday’s practice.
