The 6-5-1 Dallas Cowboys are looking to extend their win streak to four in a row next Thursday when they take on the 7-5 Detroit Lions on primetime television.

Though the Lions are known as one of the best teams in the conference, they are struggling to be consistent on offense, and the defense has serious problems, too. There are a lot of factors that go into Detroit’s biggest issues on offense, which was known as one of the scariest units in the league not that long ago. But it all starts with the trenches, where they simply haven’t been the same.

The Lions’ offensive line’s struggles reached the point where they had to draw former second-team All-Pro center Frank Ragnow out of retirement. However, Ragnow’s return is over before it even got a chance to get going.

Lions announce Ragnow failed his physical ahead of Cowboys matchup

On Saturday, the Lions announced Ragnow’s activation to the 53-man roster isn’t happening after he failed his physical.

“The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season,” the team’s statement reads. “For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions.”

It was already unlikely Ragnow would play in Week 14 due to his inactivity this year. However, the Lions are reaching must-win territory, so it wasn’t out of the question. This update confirms it.

It’s a disappointing update even though it helps the Cowboys’ chances of winning. You never want to see a star’s return get ruined before it even starts. But it is what it is in football. With that being said, there’s no denying it’s an objectively positive development for a Dallas team starving for any break it can get as it tries to make the playoffs.

Cowboys’ rising DL will face struggling Lions OL

Over the last few years, the motor driving the Lions’ success was its offensive line. Now that it’s struggling, Jared Goff’s play is showing flaws, and the run game has been inconsistent.

On the other side, the Cowboys’ defense is quickly improving. Since Quinnen Williams’ arrival via trade, Matt Eberflus’ unit has shown an ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run. While it hasn’t been perfect, it’s that interior defensive line that’s sparked quality play.

The Cowboys are 3.5-point underdogs against the Lions heading into Week 14 but this advantage in the trenches could position them to pull off a third consecutive upset.