The Detroit Lions were supposed to have a quick, non-padded practice as they prepare for preseason Game 2. Unfortunately, the game of football can be cruel even during the less intense practices.
Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw suffered an injury toward the end of practice and did not return. Let’s get more into that injury and all the other Lions injury news from Day 16 of training camp.
Injured during practice
- CB Ennis Rakestraw (lower leg)
During a team drill, Rakestraw attempted to drop into coverage, but when changing directions, he immediately collapsed
to the field. After a few moments on the ground, he picked himself up and gingerly walked to the sidelines, where he went back down to the ground and was evaluated for several minutes. Eventually, he walked slowly off the field under his own power.
It’s another tough break for Rakestraw, but we don’t yet know the severity of it, so hopefully we get good news. The Lions are off until the preseason game on Saturday, so we won’t get an update from the team until Campbell’s post-game press conference.
Working with trainer
- LB Jimmy Rolder (leg)
Rolder continued to work with a trainer for most of Thursday’s practice, a good sign of his progress. However, before practice, Campbell cast doubt that the rookie linebacker would return by the end of training camp next week.
“Probably unlikely,” Campbell said of his chances to practice this training camp. “He’s doing well. He is progressing well, but I think it’ll be hard-pressed to see him next week.”
Still, it seems like he’s trending toward potentially avoiding injured reserve, unless the Lions want the roster spot initially.
Not practicing:
- RB Isiah Pacheco (knee)
- OT Giovanni Manu (NFI)
- C Cade Mays (wrist)
- G Ben Bartch (concussion)
- TE Sam LaPorta (hip)
- EDGE Payton Turner (back)
- DT Mekhi Wingo (concussion?)
- LB Damone Clark (undisclosed)
- S Thomas Harper (undisclosed)
- S Kerby Joseph (PUP, knee)
- S Brian Branch (PUP, Achilles)
Ben Bartch remains sidelined, and Campbell revealed he’s currently in concussion protocol. Unfortunately for Bartch, he has now missed almost all of training camp, and Campbell admitted that it’s unlikely he can challenge to win the starting left guard job before the start of the regular season.
“That window is shrinking right now,” Campbell said. So, the most important thing is for him to get to where he feels right again and to where he can go. He’s healthy, he feels good, and he can start practicing, and then we’ll see. But no, I mean, I think that window is closing quickly.”
We covered LaPorta’s injury more thoroughly here, but the main takeaway here is that a new hip injury is not considered serious. Still, it’s possible he could miss the start of the season.
“I don’t know,” Campbell said. “I feel like we’ll be okay, but I don’t know.”
Finally, there was no sign of Thomas Harper at practice on Thursday. No word yet from the Lions on his status.
