ALLEN PARK — Frank Ragnow has a message for fans who offered him a spare toe: “The people tweeting at me about donating your toe, I’m OK. I don’t need anyone’s toe.’’
The Detroit Lions center has dealt with a chronic toe issue for years. He had a maintenance day off from practice leading up to the win at Kansas City which sparked the fans’ concerns. It was a planned day of rest. All’s good and he expects that will happen throughout the season.
Ragnow credits Brett Fischer, the Lions’ new director of player health & performance, and his team with helping him deal with the disturbing digit.
“(Fisch) tells me he thinks more about my toe than he does his wife,’’ Ragnow said on Monday. “I feel bad about that, he really puts forth his best effort every single day.’’
Ragnow can see a difference with the treatment this year.
“I was in a dark place. I’m not going to lie with this toe. They’ve been able to make me see the light, it’s been hands down a lot better,’’ Ragnow said. “It’s hard as a player to not be practicing with your guys. That’s the part that sucks. But understanding for the long run for Sundays it’s going to help me a lot. Not just with the rest days, just the rehab and everything they’ve been doing has been great.’’
For the first time in two years, the five offensive line starters were healthy and lined up together at Kansas City. Expect to see them together again Sunday at Ford Field hosting the Seattle Seahawks and hopefully for the rest of the season.
“For me individually, it’s cool to be able to play with four freak shows like that. It makes my job a lot, lot easier, especially having Jonah (Jackson) and Big V (Halapoulivaati Vaitai) by my side. Two animals,’’ Ragnow said.
Coach Dan Campbell has repeatedly stated the obvious that the O-line is the strength of the offense. They showed it in the win on Thursday. That certainly includes Ragnow and his toe.
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