Frank Ragnow, the starting center for the Detroit Lions, had an injury on December 3 that first appeared to be
treatable. With Ragnow, though, they are hardly out of the woods yet. The Lions shouldn’t be opposed to bolstering
their offensive line’s depth either. The NFL staff at Bleacher Report stated that the Lions ought to consider veteran
guard Gabe Jackson in free agency because of these factors.
The staff of Bleacher Report stated, “The Lions moved Graham Glasgow to center and started rookie Colby Sorsdal at
guard after Ragnow suffered a leg injury in New Orleans.” It would be wise to have a veteran on standby in case
Ragnow needs to miss further time, especially with Halapoulivaati Vaitai already on injured reserve.
Additionally, Jackson should blend in nicely in the Motor City because he has made a career out of physically
stopping opponents.
Jackson is a ten-year NFL player. He had started at least 11 games each year since 2014 before this season.
Jackson signed a five-year, $55 million contract with the Oakland Raiders in 2017.
How the Lions Could Use Gabe Jackson
Pro Football Focus’ player grades indicate that Jackson has demonstrated proficiency in both run and pass blocking
at different stages of his career. However, the PFF player grades from the previous two seasons support the BR staff’s
assertion that Jackson is a superior run blocker.
For the previous two seasons, Jackson blocked for the Seattle Seahawks. In terms of rushing yards, Seattle ranked
11th in 2021 and 18th in 2022.
With youngster Colby Sorsdal starting at center and Graham Glasgow at center, the Lions probably have faith in
their lineup. Jackson has no prior experience playing center.
However, the Lions would be adding Jackson to their guard corps in addition to Sorsdal. In other words, extra depth
in case there are any additional injuries.
Similar to how they signed 36-year-old defensive end Bruce Irvin to their practice squad in November, the Lions may
attempt to sign Jackson. In Week 13, Irvin made his Lions debut and performed admirably, collecting a sack.
In the 2014 NFL draft, Jackson was selected with the 81st overall pick in the third round. Before going on to play for
the Seahawks in 2021, he spent seven seasons with the Raiders.
Throughout his NFL career, Jackson has started 130 games.
Frank Ragnow of the Lions Handling One More Injury
Almost the whole 2023 season, Ragnow has been playing with pain. He left in Week 13 due to a knee ailment.
during first, the injury prognosis didn’t seem promising, but head coach Dan Campbell gave a more upbeat report
during the news conference following the game.
“At first, coming off, it was sounding like one thing, and then after the fact, it sounded like something maybe a little
bit different,” Campbell said after the game. “One was not as good, one sounds more positive.”
If Ragnow’s injury is considered more serious, then the need for Jackson will obviously increase. The Lions are
already be without guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who is on injured reserve with a back issue.
But it’s not a bad idea for the Lions to consider adding Jackson anyway. Jackson could provide quality depth to the
interior of Detroit’s offensive line.
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