Detroit Lions flop in Minnesota: Dave Birkett, Jeff Seidel analysis
Dave Birkett, Jeff Seidel talk Detroit Lions flop at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.
Kingsley Eguakun wanted to play, and when the Detroit Lions wouldn’t guarantee him that opportunity, he found it somewhere else.
Eguakun, who started the past two games at center in place of an injured Graham Glasgow, signed with the Cleveland Browns off the Lions practice squad Wednesday, Dec. 31.
“He liked the opportunity,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “He felt like that was the right thing for him and I wish him well.”
Campbell said the Lions wanted to keep Eguakun on their 53-man roster but would not guarantee him a starting spot in their season finale this week against the Chicago Bears, like the Browns apparently did.
Eguakun had two bad snaps that caused fumbles in last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings but played well in his first career against the Pittsburgh Steelers the previous week.
Glasgow was available only in a backup role last week, when he also played on the field-goal protection unit, but Campbell said the veteran lineman is “feeling better” after two weeks off.
The Lions (8-8) were eliminated from playoff contention with the Vikings loss.
“We’re not going to lie to anybody,” Campbell said. “Like I can’t guarantee a starting spot. We’re not going to do that. I can’t guarantee that. So they guaranteed it and so it’s all good. It’s good for him, man.”
Eguakun originally signed with the Lions last spring as an undrafted free agent out of Florida.
He spent most of the past two years on the practice squad, but Campbell often mentioned him as a potential long-term replacement for Frank Ragnow at center.
Ragnow, 29, retired this spring after seven NFL seasons and had a short-lived comeback attempt in November that was foiled by injury.
Campbell said this week rookie right guard Tate Ratledge likely will not play center against the Bears, though the Lions still consider him a potential long-term replacement for Ragnow.
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.