The Detroit Lions secured an important win against the Arizona Cardinals in Week Three, bringing their record to 2-1 for the season. However, the victory came at a cost, as star tight end Sam LaPorta was carted off with an ankle sprain, and pass rusher Marcus Davenport also suffered an elbow injury.
LaPorta was injured while blocking on a “hook and ladder” touchdown, but it looks like he avoided serious damage. He’s expected to miss only minimal time with a low ankle sprain. Unfortunately, the news isn’t as positive for Davenport, who will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to his elbow injury.
Frank Ragnow has been a mainstay at center for the Lions
In addition to their other injuries, the Lions faced another significant setback when Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle, as reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Ragnow was injured early in the game against the Cardinals. Fortunately for Detroit, the tear is not expected to be season-ending, and he’s considered week-to-week, with a chance of returning soon.
The Lions drafted Ragnow with the 20th overall pick in the 2018 draft. He became a starter in his rookie season and has been a key player for the team ever since, making three Pro Bowls and earning second-team All-Pro honors twice, in 2020 and 2023.
The Lions made the playoffs last season for the first time in seven years. The team reached the NFC Championship game before falling to the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.
