NFL Networks Ian Rapoport reports that Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow suffered a throat fracture against the Green Bay Packers and is vulnerable to losing this week’s game.
Apparently, Ragnow suffered the injury in the first quarter of last Sunday’s game, but he managed to play at every moment and didn’t allow a single pressure, hit or sack.
According to the National Biotechnology Information Center (NCBI), such injuries are very rare and patients ’surgical intervention in the medical community is still being debated.
The “Lions are consulting specialists on this right now” according to Free Press’ Dave Birkett. “His airways / breathing are fine, and he can eat, but he’s not supposed to talk right now. Trying to determine how long he’ll need to be out.”
Beyond the fact that he has a fractured throat (!), The fact of not being able to communicate with his teammates will surely be more difficult to play the central position.
We probably won’t learn more in today’s injury report (today’s gang report indicates he missed practice), but interim coach Darrell Bevell is sure to address the issue at Thursday’s press conference in the morning.
If Ragnow can’t play this week, the Lions are likely to turn to former manager Joe Dahl, left-hander Jonah Jackson or practice centers Marcus Martin or Evan Brown.