There is no denying the Detroit Lions' offensive line is in worse shape following the retirement of star center Frank Ragnow this week.
A visibly emotional Dan Campbell recalled Ragnow's importance to his club on Thursday.
"He will be sorely missed. He'll be missed," Campbell said when speaking with reporters. "I've got all the respect for Frank Ragnow. I love him to death… I love you, Frank. Appreciate you."
In true Campbell fashion, however, Detroit will not make any excuses despite losing a key cog.
"Man, this train goes on. The train rolls on," the Lions head coach said. "It's the next man up. We'll be ready to go when camp hits. We've got plenty of versatility up there. We like the guys that we drafted. We like our free agents that we brought in. The young guys. Kingsley [Eguakun] being one of those guys, among others."
Campbell also called chatter that Ragnow was away from offseason workouts prior to retiring due to contract concerns "disrespectful."
"That's not what this was ever about," he said.
Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowler, walked away on Monday after a litany of injuries throughout his seven seasons. The 29-year-old cited those issues -- many of which he played through -- as a reason for abruptly retiring.
Walking away had been a possibility for Ragnow over the past couple of years as he battled to stay on the field. Campbell said on Thursday that the team knew the center was contemplating retiring this year and tried to give him space this offseason.
Ragnow's departure will leave the Lions with a very young middle of the offensive line.
Detroit was already set to replace guard Kevin Zeitler, who left in free agency, with a young player. Now, Ragnow's departure creates another hole. There are also questions about whether nine-year-pro Graham Glasgow remains a starter after struggling at times last season. It's possible the Lions could start three first-or-second-year players at the three interior spots.
Glasgow and rookie Tate Ratledge, who played guard at the University of Georgia, are the top two options to start at center. Detroit also inked veteran free agent Trystan Colon -- seven starts last year for the Arizona Cardinals at right guard -- on Wednesday.
Campbell extolled the benefits of experience at center but added Thursday that the club is going to "play the best guy."
"Experience is big. It is, but I think it's, whether it's there or it's the guy next to you, that can help out a lot, too," he said about filling the pivot spot. "But you're gonna need some experience somewhere in there, you know? And as long as you have that, you're okay.
"We're going to have options, that's why we're excited about training camp. We're going to find this out. We're going to let these guys go at it. We just signed Trystan Colon. You know, there's another option. Don't know a lot about him because he just got here."
Come training camp in July, the Lions offensive line will be one of the most interesting battles. With Jared Goff under center, if that young interior crumbles, it could take down the entire operation.
