The Detroit Lions' inactive list for Week 3 was just revealed, and it could mean that Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is finally getting an opportunity to show that he could be in talks to take over at CB2 for Rock Ya-Sin.
Detroit announced the following inactive players for their game against the New York Jets at home:
#NYJvsDET inactives pic.twitter.com/leGk7jHIcn
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 27, 2026
For New York, their inactives include Adonai Mitchell, kicker Blake Grupe, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, running back Kene Nwangwu, Kiko Mauigoa, tight end Mason Taylor, and cornerback Nahshon Wright.
Ben Bartch and Mekhi Wingo aren't surprising, but Tyler Conklin, Bishop Fitzgerald, Ahmed Hassanein, and Devin White being inactive is a slight problem for the Lions' depth - especially on defense. But, this opens the door for Rakestraw, as well as Keith Abney II and Christian Izien, to really step up in this contest.
Rakestraw needs huge game amid Joey Porter Jr. news
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported prior to the Lions' Week 3 contest that the team was one of two to reach out to the Pittsburgh Steelers regarding Joey Porter Jr.'s availability. This indicates that the team is looking to upgrade at the position, even though Porter getting traded to Detroit would indicate that they're also willing to pay him to stick with the roster.
The cheaper option, of course, would be to bet on Rakestraw's ability to piece together a solid bounce back season. If he could be even half as good as D.J. Reed in the Lions' secondary, that's already eons better than how Ya-Sin has played so far this year. Obviously, that's a tall task, but the team might as well see what they have in the two-year defender.
READ MORE: It sure feels like the Lions are attempting the 'Legion of Whom' 2.0 this season
In addition to Rakestraw, Abney and Izien have to step up and get into a groove against the Jets. With Mitchell officially inactive for this game, there's less of a threat in the Jets' wide receiver room. That should give them the wiggle room to set their foundation, which could also secure their spot on the Lions' roster amid these Porter rumors.
The success of this secondary in Week 3 and in Week 4 could make or break the Lions' desperation to add help there. A bad game, and even a loss to the Jets at home, could force them to do something drastic.
Add us as a preferred source on Google