News Lions Team Notes

[Detroit Lions]

Frank Ragnow’s retirement now official, Lions make 1 minor roster move

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Frank Ragnow’s retirement is officially on the books, opening a roster spot for the Detroit Lions.

As the Detroit Lions welcomed rookies back to the facility on Wednesday, they also made a couple of roster moves official. For one, Frank Ragnow has officially been placed on the reserve/retired list, making his retirement official.

Ragnow announced in an Instagram post back in June that he would be ending his career after just seven seasons with the Lions.

“These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I’m officially retiring from the NFL,” Ragnow wrote. “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good but I’m not and it’s time to prioritize my health and my families future. I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.”

With his retirement hitting the transaction wire on Wednesday, the Lions now have an open spot on their 90-man roster (remember that Ahmed Hassanein is currently occupying an international exemption spot).

In addition to making Ragnow’s retirement official, the Lions have waived cornerback Divaad Wilson from injured reserve by coming to an injury settlement with the defender. Wilson was signed on June 2 to the team, but immediately suffered a knee injury that required surgery and was waived on June 4. Because Wilson was already on injured reserve, he did not count against the 90-man roster, so his release does not open an additional spot. That said, Wilson would be eligible to return to the Lions after the length of his injury settlement plus an additional three weeks.

In short, Ragnow’s retirement becoming official has opened up a roster spot for the Lions on the verge of training camp.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ficial-detroit-lions-make-1-minor-roster-move

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions mailbag: Will Tate Ratledge hold out of training camp?

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On this week’s Detroit Lions Midweek Mailbag show, we discuss the NFL’s 2nd-round pick holdout and how it could affect Tate Ratledge.

Detroit Lions rookies reported for training camp on Wednesday, and for the first time in a long time, that date felt significant.

That’s because there’s a league-wide holdout happening for second-round picks. As of the publication of this article, only three second-round picks have signed their contracts, with the first two breaking precedent and having their contracts fully guaranteed. It’s clear everyone else was either pushing for fully guaranteed deals or hoping to see a higher percentage of their deal guaranteed.

With no movement—until late Wednesday night—there was a palpable fear that this holdout could drastically impact the Lions. Tate Ratledge has suddenly become a key Lions player following the retirement of Frank Ragnow, and if the plan remains to play Ratledge at center—somewhere he did not play in college—then Detroit is going to want him to log as many training camp and preseason snaps as he possibly can. A holdout would not be ideal.

So, what is the level of actual concern here? How long could a holdout continue, and at what point could that actually impact Ratledge’s ability to develop? Should the Lions just give him a fully guaranteed deal and be done with it?

That’s the main topic on this week’s Midweek Mailbag podcast, which heavily features training camp questions. Note that this podcast was recorded before the third second-round pick—49ers’ Alfred Collins (43rd overall)—agreed to his rookie contract, which is not quite fully guaranteed. It’s worth noting that Adam Schefter believes this deal “is expected to trigger multiple second-round signings.”

Other topics on this week’s show:

• Which players will take the biggest leap in camp and during the season?
• Name an offensive and defensive player who will be the talk of training camp
• Which players will make the roster because of special teams? Which players with special teams talent are still on the bubble?
• What do you want to see the new coordinators do differently from their predecessors?
• Ranking the biggest concerns of the Lions’ 2025 season

You can catch this week’s show in the Spotify embed below this text, or via any of your favorite podcasting platforms.

You can also watch a video replay of the show on our YouTube and Twitch pages.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...tledge-hold-out-training-camp-2nd-round-picks

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions 2nd-round pick Tate Ratledge agrees to rookie contract

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions won’t have to deal with any holdout drama, as Tate Ratledge has come to an agreement for his rookie contract.

After some minor contractual drama, the Detroit Lions’ full 2025 draft class is now under contract. Second-round pick Tate Ratledge, the final holdout of the Lions’ class, agreed to his rookie deal this on Thursday, per Jordan Schultz. Once officially under contract, Ratledge can report to Lions training camp, where rookies started arriving on Wednesday.

League-wide, teams were delayed in signing second-round picks after the Houston Texans broke precedent by signing their second-round pick—receiver Jayden Higgins—to a fully guaranteed contract. Prior to that, no second-round pick had received that much of their contract guaranteed, although a large majority of it has been in the past for high second-round picks. The Browns followed suit by giving Carson Schwesinger, the 33rd overall pick, a fully guaranteed deal of his own.

For weeks, those were the only two second-round picks under contract. However, on Wednesday night, the 49ers agreed to terms with the 43rd overall selection, Alfred Collins, on a contract that wasn’t fully guaranteed. From there, the dominoes quickly fell, and Ratledge got his deal done Thursday.

Ratledge figures to be a huge part of the Lions’ 2025 campaign. After Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement this offseason, Ratledge could be next in line to start at center, and because he doesn’t have a ton of experience there, every rep counts. The fact that Detroit got this deal done before the official start of training camp on Sunday is somewhat important.

Now all that is left is for Lions veterans to report to camp on Saturday, and then we’re off!

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-pick-tate-ratledge-agrees-to-rookie-contract

 

[Detroit Lions]

Open Thread: What is your favorite stadium snack?

Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

What is your favorite in-stadium meal or snack?

Feel that crisp air first thing in the morning? We are getting there, folks. Some of that feeling might be attributed to the recent heat wave in Southeast Michigan, but with Detroit Lions’ training camp just days away from getting started, football season is just around the corner now. And we all know what that means.

Food, since we know the two go together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether it is at a Lions game in Downtown Detroit, your favorite college stadium, or even your local high school games—we want to hear about your favorite stadium grub.

That brings us to today’s Question of the Day:

What is your favorite snack stadium snack? ​

Answer: Since I am always present for Lions games at Ford Field, I am going to make my answer specific. If you are in the Metro Detroit area, let me tell you about one of my favorite spots—a magical place called Uncle Joe’s Chicken Fingers.

Over the last several years, Ford Field has done a better job of featuring local spots inside of the concession stalls. And while there are likely more exciting options for people to choose from, something about juicy chicken tenders and crispy fries just work for me as a quick pre-game meal. Give me that, a Coke Zero, and I am ready to sing “Gridiron Heroes” with 65,000 of my closest friends.

How about you? What is your favorite snack stadium snack? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-discussion-favorite-snack-stadium-ford-field

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions add 3 new players ahead of training camp

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

After freeing up three roster spots this week, the Lions have reportedly filled three of them as training camp nears.

The Detroit Lions are set to open their 2025 training camp on Sunday, and they’re putting the final touches on their roster ahead of practices.

The Lions entered Friday with three open spots on their roster, and they filled two of them following a multi-player workout. Detroit is signing former Titans running back Jabari Small (per Jordan Schultz) and undrafted rookie free agent Tyson Russell (per Aaron Wilson).

UPDATE: The Lions confirmed both signings on Friday, and also announced the addition of cornerback DiCaprio Bootle.

Small, who attended the University of Tennessee, went undrafted in 2024 and signed with his hometown Tennessee Titans. He spent the entire season on the practice squad, signed a 2025 futures contract with the Titans, but was released following the NFL Draft (the Titans drafted Michigan’s Kalel Mullings in the sixth round). Small will join a running backs room that is returning their top four players from last season and also has UDFA rookie Kye Robichaux on the roster.

Russell was invited to try out at Lions’ rookie minicamp, and while he didn’t receive a contract, he was a standout on Jeremy Reisman’s practice observations:

“Another UDFA who stood out was Vanderbilt cornerback Tyson Russell, who logged back-to-back pass breakups in the final sessions of 7-on-7s. On one, he showed strong closing speed, aggressively attacking the hands of a receiver on a comeback route.”

Russell was invited back to Allen Park on Friday for another tryout opportunity, and this time he left the Lions’ training facility with a contract.

Bootle has been in the league for four seasons, spending time with the Chiefs, Panthers, and Chargers. Over the past two seasons, he’s logged over 200 special teams snaps on all four phases. He also started two games for the Panthers in 2023 at outside corner, finishing with 14 tackles and two passes defended.

It’s common for teams to make multiple roster moves heading into training camp and it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. For example, at this stage of the offseason, teams are allowed 90 players on their rosters, but the Lions received a roster exemption for rostering an “international player” in rookie Ahmed Hassanein, increasing their available roster spots to 91 players.

Over the last 48 hours, the Lions officially processed Frank Ragnow’s retirement paperwork on Wednesday, Levi Onwuzurike landed on reserve/PUP on Thursday, and rookie UDFA running back Anthony Tyus was released with an NFI designation, opening up three spots on the roster. Eight other Lions also landed on injury lists, but each of those was considered an “active” designation (meaning they can be removed at any time), and therefore, they still count against the roster numbers. Second-round rookie Tate Ratledge signed his contract Thursday night, but he was also already part of the total count.

Now, by signing Small, Russell, and Bootle the Lions bring their total player count up to 91, meaning there are no more vacancies.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...tans-rb-udfa-rookie-cb-ahead-of-training-camp

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions fans predicting another massive year for Amon-Ra St. Brown

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The results of our latest SB Nation Reacts survey are in, and as expected, fans expect the Lions' skill players to continue to thrive in 2025.

Earlier this week, we published our latest SB Nation Reacts surveys, asking Detroit Lions fans if they believe All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will exceed his projected 2025 receiving totals, utilizing the betting lines established by the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook.

St. Brown has had a dominant past three seasons. In each, he’s produced at least 1,161 receiving yards and six touchdowns, while maxing out at 1,515 receiving yards (in 2023) and 12 touchdowns (in 2024).

However, the folks at FanDuel Sportsbook have set the betting line at a conservative 1075.5 receiving yards and a more aggressive 8.5 rushing touchdowns.

While the yardage totals seem well within reach, the touchdown totals can be a bit deceiving, especially considering he’s produced 10 and 12 receiving touchdown seasons in the last two years. Touchdowns tend to be a bit more inconsistent, and I believe the fan voting reflected that—even though fans are still buying the fact that he can repeat his previous successes.

Let’s look at the comment section of our original survey to allow Lions fans to explain their reactions and voting choices (slightly edited for clarity):

• Bellringer: “If Saint doesn’t exceed them, one things for sure, it won’t be from a lack of effort.”
• Motor City Man: “He’s been the most consistent WR in the league. No reason to expect anything other than the over.”
• LRB57: “Yes, easily. Defenses are going to roll to limit Jamo’s danger, giving St. Brown more room over the middle. Plus, he’s Goff’s favorite receiver and a YAC monster.”

---

Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

---

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...ing-another-massive-year-for-amon-ra-st-brown

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions trivia: Your in-5 daily game, Sunday edition

Think you can figure out which Lions player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Pride of Detroit in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Pride of Detroit in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Saturday, July 19, 2025
Friday, July 18, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Pride of Detroit in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Lions player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/7/20/24470843/sb-nation-lions-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Detroit Lions]

Injury Update: Ennis Rakestraw avoids major injury on Day 1 of Lions training camp

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions got some positive news regarding Ennis Rakestraw’s injury.

The Detroit Lions kicked off their 2025 training camp on Sunday, and after starting practice with nine players on injury lists and another three not participating, second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw went down with an injury. Fortunately, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Rakestraw “is believed to have suffered just a chest contusion... A positive outcome.”

The injury occurred behind the play, so the full details are not entirely clear, but Rakestraw appeared to have collided with an offensive player during an 11-vs-11 drill and remained down on the field, holding his upper chest area. After making it to the sidelines and receiving help from the Lions’ training staff, Rakestaw was escorted to the locker room and did not return for the remainder of practice. Soon after, the Lions PR team updated the media that Rakestraw “was being evaluated for a chest injury.”

Jeremy Reisman and I discussed the injury on the latest PODD post-training camp video (you can subscribe here), noting that while the injury looked significant in the moment, not all injuries have long-term consequences. For example, two seasons ago, Chauncey Gerdner-Johnson suffered what appeared to be a devastating knee injury, only to return to practice in full five days later.

For Rakestraw, the initial news is very positive, considering what it initially looked like, we still don’t have a timeline for when he may be able to return to the field. For that information, we will likely have to wait until Day 2 of training camp on Monday morning at coach Dan Campbell’s press conference before receiving any official word from the team.

In the meantime, take solace in knowing that Rakestraw took to social media to assure people that he’s “good.”

If you missed any of our observations from Day 1 of Lions training camp, you can catch up here.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...-major-injury-on-day-1-of-lions-training-camp

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions LB Alex Anzalone dealing with hamstring injury

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Dan Campbell once again dispels the rumor that Alex Anzalone is holding out, clarifying it’s a hamstring that is keeping him from practices.

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell cleared up any confusion about why linebacker Alex Anzalone is not practicing as training camp opened on Sunday. While Anzalone “crushed” the conditioning test earlier in the week, Campbell revealed the veteran defender is currently dealing with a hamstring injury.

“I don’t see him practicing today (Monday), I don’t,” Campbell said. “It’s a hamstring (injury), so we’ll see where it goes.”

This, more or less, confirms that Anzalone is not voluntarily missing practice as a “sit-in” protest for not having a new contract. It’s no secret that Anzalone would like a new deal entering the final year of his three-year, $18.75 million contract signed in 2023. But on Sunday, Campbell felt fairly certain Anzalone wasn’t the type of player to sit out on his own accord.

“No way, right. I refuse to believe that. I refuse to believe that,” Campbell said.

Practicing in Anzalone’s place on Sunday was veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham, who was signed as a free agent back in May. Campbell said he has already been impressed by Cunningham’s natural movement and veteran presence from his practices in the spring.

“He’s played in this league. He’s a very good athlete. He’s pretty instinctive. He’s a smart guy,” Campbell said. “He’s fluid, man. Sometimes it’s effortless. He’s a fluid mover.”

In addition to Anzalone, Campbell also announced that Al-Quadin Muhammad is not expected to practice on Monday. However, linebacker Anthony Pittman is expected to return to the field after missing the opening practice on Sunday.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...update-lions-lb-dealing-with-hamstring-injury

 

[Detroit Lions]

Notes: Lions’ roster ranked among best in NFL

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

ESPN analysts have the Lions’ roster ranked as one of the best in the entire NFL.

We all know at this point that the Detroit Lions have built things the right way. If you remember back in 2021 when Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes were first hired, both routinely echoed the same sentiment—they wanted to build a winner that is capable of competing each and every year. And as we know, the best way to do that is through the NFL Draft.

Fast-forward four years into the future, and Detroit has assembled one of the youngest and most talented rosters in the entire league, with most of the heavy-lifting done via the draft. However, what would the rankings look like if someone were to focus on just the projected starters for the 2025 season? Three NFL analysts from ESPN—Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder—weighed in and had the Lions third out of the league’s 32 teams.

“I could’ve gone safety or offensive tackle,” said Clay when picking the Lions’ biggest strength. “But the Jahmyr Gibbs/David Montgomery duo is elite. Since 2023, Lions RBs have produced a league-high 5,960 yards and 57 touchdowns. That’s 718 yards and eight more touchdowns than any other team.”

You can read the entire article from the trio right here.

NFL Roster Rankings from 1 (Ravens) to 32 (Saints).

Me: Top strength and weakness for each team@SethWalder: X Factors@ASchatzNFL: Nonstarter to knowhttps://t.co/QD0kEWUAx2

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) July 21, 2025​

And now, onto the rest of today’s notes:

• Lions’ cornerback D.J. Reed joined NFL on CBS to talk all things Lions.

• Dan Miller of Fox 2 Detroit sat down with Lions’ defensive tackle DJ Reader for a 1-on-1 interview ahead of his second season in the Motor City.

• The panel over at NFL on ESPN weighed in on the Lions’ offense under new coordinator John Morton.

• The back-to-back NFC North Champs.

The defending NFC North champs are back at it pic.twitter.com/dokzQnAk7Y

— NFL (@NFL) July 21, 2025​

• Best duo in the game and it isn’t really a debate.

A rare thing pic.twitter.com/HLlNT2cwCz

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 21, 2025​

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025...t-lions-roster-ranked-nfl-third-espn-analysis