The Detroit Lions' defense just cannot catch a break. This time, they're facing a major injury suffered by second year defensive back Ennis Rakestraw, who left practice this past Sunday with a shoulder injury. While the team didn't provide any updates as to what exactly Rakestraw had suffered, head coach Dan Campbell told reporters he expected the young defender to miss some significant time.
On Thursday, the severity of Rakestraw's shoulder injury somewhat came to light, with him posting to his Instagram a photo of himself about to head into surgery for what we can only assume is his shoulder injury.
It appears that #Lions CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is heading to surgery. Here is a screen grab from his Instagram account. Several days ago, Terrion Arnold posted words of encouragement for Rakestraw to his IG. pic.twitter.com/PV9zOlVGSe
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) August 7, 2025
Lions relying on next man up mentality once again
Rakestraw leaves yet another hole for the Lions to fill at cornerback, but they've gotten lucky with injuries to Terrion Arnold not being severe throughout this year's training camp. Suddenly, the solid performance from Rock Ya-Sin in the Lions' first preseason game of the year looks a lot more important as it pertains to their roster construction.
Additionally, players like Nick Whiteside and Dicaprio Bootle will have to step up in camp and the preseason to provide some optionality to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
READ MORE: Former Lions draft pick's career could be on its last round of musical chairs
The team has D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, and Arnold as their top secondary defenders at the moment, but losing Rakestraw is still major since he was anticipated to take a big step forward this year alongside Arnold.
In addition to those mainstays, the team has also made a few signings from the UFL and XFL pool of players available this offseason. Luq Barcoo and D.J. Miller were added by the team right before news of Rakestraw's need for shoulder surgery came about, which now seems like incredible timing for the Lions' front office and their defense during training camp.
Detroit is not the only NFC North team dealing with such a blow to their defense this offseason. The Green Bay Packers are dealing with an injury to newly signed defensive back Nate Hobbs, who should be good to go for the teams' Week 1 clash with the Lions while he recovers from a minor knee procedure. He'll be missing all of the Packers' remaining training camp sessions, though.
It's not time to hit the panic button just yet. Detroit is known for getting the most out of their depth chart. But, Rakestraw's absence will be felt if any more injuries are suffered to their starters in the secondary.