The Detroit Lions suffered their first injury of training camp on Sunday, as second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw left practice early with what the Lions are calling a chest injury.
It was unclear what happened on the play from my vantage point, but Rakestraw was down on the ground during an 11-on-11 rep holding his arm/shoulder area. After several minutes of observation from a trainer, Rakestraw gingerly walked off the field with the trainer supporting his upper body.
Rakestraw was expected to compete
for the top backup job at outside corner after a rookie season spent mostly on the sidelines. In 2024, Rakestraw dealt with a hamstring injury that prevented him from making a scheduled Week 2 start at nickel cornerback his rookie season. After that, Rakestraw mostly served on special teams—making eight game appearances with 95 snaps on special teams. After serving as nickel depth last year, the Lions were excited about his potential on the outside this year.
“We felt like once we did some things with him outside—practice, things of that nature—man, he really began to grow,” coach Dan Campbell said in the spring. “And I think right now that’s where he really belongs. That’s where he can really take off.”
Stepping into Rakestraw’s place with the second-team defense was veteran cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. This offseason, the Lions signed Ya-Sin to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. If Rakestraw’s injury is considered long-term, Ya-Sin could be valuable depth for Detroit’s secondary. The Lions also have Khalil Dorsey (currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list), Amik Robertson, and Stantley Thomas-Oliver as depth options behind the two starters: Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed.
As for Rakestraw, we likely won’t get an update on his condition until we hear from coach Dan Campbell on Monday morning.
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