They’re healthy! Lions rule out only 2 players for NFC ..
They’re healthy! Lions rule out only 2 players for NFC championship game
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) runs on the field with center Frank Ragnow (77), guard Jonah Jackson (73), offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58), and offensive tackle Colby Sorsdal (75) for the start of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Detroit.AP Photo/Duane Burleson
ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions have some bumps and bruises, and even a couple cracked ribs. This time of year, who doesn’t?
But they’re still going to be nearly at full strength for one of their biggest games in franchise history. Guard Jonah Jackson (knee) and punt returner Kalif Raymond (knee) are the only players ruled out for the NFC championship game on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, while third-string quarterback Hendon Hooker (tooth) and special teams switchblade Chase Lucas (illness) are questionable. And that’s it.
For this time of year, that’s very good.
Even better: All-Pro center Frank Ragnow has no injury designation at all. He’s received the green light to play in Santa Clara despite toe, knee, back and ankle injuries. He’s lost a lot of games in Detroit, and it would take a crane to get him off that field for the Lions’ deepest playoff run since 1991.
He’s good,” head coach Dan Campbell said. “You know Frank. Frank’s doing well. And Frank will be ready to go. I mean, you’re not going to hold him out of this one. And he gets better every day. So, he’ll be ready.”
Linebacker Alex Anzalone (fractured ribs), edge rusher James Houston (ankle), tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) and receiver Josh Reynolds (ribs) are all full-go as well while working through assorted injuries.