2 min read • December 16, 2020
Posted in
The Lions’ center reportedly has a fractured throat, which certainly is an unusual injury in the NFL. Another way to describe it is broken cartilage in the larynx/voice box. This injury is much more common in hockey players as being hit with a puck can cause this type of injury. It reportedly happened in the first quarter, but a review of game film did not indicate any specific video, and he finished the game. In severe cases this could affect breathing, but this does not seem to be the case here. Ragnow finished the game and even communicated line calls as is required by a center and it is yet to be determined whether he can play this week. The fact that he is not already ruled out for the season is positive news, a more significant injury would have had him ruled out, like in 2017, when Henry Anderson of the Colts missed half the season as a result of a similar injury. If Ragnow returns this season, he likely would need to return with some sort of device underneath his face-mask, much like catchers have in baseball. The big question is, given his position of center, is the need to communicate and the likely requirement not to speak for a period of time which effect this greatly. Perhaps the line could devise a system to allow the guard to make line calls, or even kick Ragnow to either guard spot. There is much to be determined from this as the Lions seek specialty opinions for this unusual circumstance, and his status is yet to be determined. If he doesn't play this week his season is likely over given there's only three weeks left, and the fact that cartilage fractures in the throat take a long time to heal due to the lack of blood supply. Either he can return in modified fashion, or his season is done.
Written by
