The Detroit Lions will be missing a key piece of their offense when they take the field for the season finale.
The Lions had turned to practice-squad center Kingsley Eguakun to fill in for starter Graham Glasgow while he was nursing an injury, elevating Eguakun to start in each of the last two games. But Detroit may need to dig a bit deeper on the depth chart for Sunday’s game after a last-place AFC team snagged him from their practice squad.
Browns Snag Fill-In Center
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported this week that the Cleveland Browns signed Eguakun from Detroit’s practice squad. Eguakun had been on Detroit’s practice squad last season after joining the team as an undrafted free agent, then made the active roster after training camp this year.
Eguakun was waived in October and rejoined the team on the practice squad. He appeared in four games this season with two starts.
The Browns had been shorthanded after losing starting center Ethan Pocic with a torn Achilles.
As SI.com’s Christian Booher noted, the Lions were also hit by injuries to their offensive line, which prompted Eguakun to start for the last two weeks.
“With injuries on the interior of the offensive line, Eguakun was a logical option to get an opportunity late in the year,” Booher wrote. “Starting center Graham Glasgow was ruled out for the team’s Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, so Eguakun was elevated and got the start at center.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he intends to play all available starters in the season finale, but there could be some other key linemen missing. Penei Sewell missed practice on Friday with an ankle injury he suffered in last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He also missed practices on Wednesday and Thursday, putting his status for the season finale at risk.
Veteran Lions Center Won’t Return to the NFL
The Lions appeared to have another option at center, though briefly. Veteran Frank Ragnow expressed his desire to return from retirement, but it was discovered that he had a significant hamstring injury and was not medically cleared to play.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff said Ragnow is not looking to try again in 2026, instead remaining in retirement.
“No, I don’t think that is in the cards at all,” Goff said in an appearance on 97.1 The Ticket. “I will talk to Frank, but I don’t think his interest level is there.”
The Lions have a potential replacement in Tate Ratledge, who worked out at center during training camp before reverting back to guard. Campbell said the team may get more work for Ratledge at center next season.
“Thereâs been growth, and thatâs really what you want out of your rookies,” said Campbell. “You want to feel like that there has been growth taking place. And being between Graham (Glasgow) for most of the year, and (Penei) Sewell has helped. But thereâs a ton of growth left and heâs going to have to take another step next year.
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