The undefeated Seattle Seahawks will receive their first legitimate test of the 2024 NFL season when they face the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football at Ford Field in Week 4. Dan Campbell’s Lions are entering Monday’s contest a little banged up on offense. Starting center Frank Ragnow will be sidelined with a partially torn pectoral muscle.
#Lions HC Dan Campbell says they're gonna put Frank Ragnow down this week. "We've got to be smart," Campbell said.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) September 26, 2024
Ragnow’s absence represents a big-time blow to the Lions offense. The three-time Pro Bowler, including consecutive appearances in 2022 and 2023, will be replaced by Graham Glasgow, the usual left guard. Reserve linemen Michael Niese or Kayode Awosika will enter the starting lineup as Glasgow’s replacement at left guard. That spells good news for Seattle’s interior defensive lineman.
And Ragnow may not be the only high-end Lions offensive player to miss Monday’s contest. Sophomore tight end Sam LaPorta did not practice on Thursday due to an ankle injury. LaPorta was listed on Detroit’s injury report.
Lions TE Sam LaPorta did not practice today due to his ankle injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 26, 2024
LaPorta currently ranks third on the team in receiving yards (94), and fourth in receptions (8) and targets (10). It’s been a slow start to LaPorta’s second professional campaign, but make no mistake, his potential absence would be a boost to Seattle’s defense. As a rookie last season, the former Iowa standout totaled 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, tying for fourth in the entire league among all pass catchers in TDs.