The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for their upcoming NFC Championship matchup against the Detroit Lions, but the talk surrounding the game has focused on the Lions' formidable running game. However, injuries to key players on their offensive line may threaten their ability to maintain a strong ground attack.

Left guard Jonah Jackson and center Frank Ragnow have both been dealing with injuries leading up to the game. Jackson underwent minor knee surgery following the Lions' victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional round and is unlikely to play on Sunday. Meanwhile, Ragnow missed practice with ankle, toe, back, and knee ailments on Thursday, but made a full return to practice on Friday, indicating he will be available for the game.

Ragnow's presence on the field will provide some relief for the Lions, but his performance may be hampered as he won't be at full strength. This could give the 49ers' defensive line an advantage, as they struggled to generate pressure against the Green Bay Packers in their previous game. While Nick Bosa managed to penetrate the backfield, Jordan Love's mobility allowed him to evade potential sacks. In contrast, Lions quarterback Jared Goff is not known for his mobility, making him a potentially easier target for the 49ers' defense.

Additionally, the Lions' injuries could have implications for their running game. The Packers had success on the ground against the 49ers, largely due to a 53-yard run by Aaron Jones. However, the 49ers' run defense was not as poor as it may seem when taking that specific run out of the equation. The absence of a guard and a less mobile center could weaken the Lions' power battle against the 49ers' defense, particularly on crucial fourth-down plays that Lions coach Dan Campbell likes to utilize.

As the NFC Championship game approaches, the Lions will need to find a way to compensate for the injuries on their offensive line. Otherwise, the 49ers' defense may have the upper hand, potentially impacting the outcome of the highly anticipated matchup.

Note: This article is based on the information provided and does not include any additional news or updates beyond what is mentioned in the context.