Injured CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of the Lions placed on the Injured Reserve (for a shoulder issue)
Detroit Lions' Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Sidelined for Entire 2025 NFL Season
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. will miss the entire 2025 NFL season after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery following a practice injury in early August.
The injury occurred on either Sunday, August 3 or 4, during practice drills. Rakestraw underwent successful surgery on Thursday, August 7, and was promptly placed on injured reserve.
Rakestraw, the Lions' second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was expected to take a larger role in the secondary this season. However, his limited playtime in 2024, where he appeared in eight games but did not start any, and previous injuries have compounded concerns over the team's defensive depth and development.
Rakestraw's rookie season was also marred by injuries, including ankle and hamstring problems that affected his ability to play consistently. His injuries during that time required recovery time, shortening his season.
Head coach Dan Campbell expressed sympathy for Rakestraw, emphasizing rehabilitation and comeback efforts. In a show of determination, Rakestraw posted a picture of himself in a hospital gown on Instagram before his surgery, with the caption, "Road to Be back starts soon."
The loss of Rakestraw is part of ongoing injury issues for the Lions' young defensive backs, also including Dan Jackson. This development has raised concerns about the team's defensive depth and development in 2025.
Rakestraw played college football for Missouri before being drafted by the Lions in the 2024 second round. As a cornerback for the Lions, he recorded six tackles across eight games in his rookie season.
Coach Campbell has warned that Rakestraw's recovery could take some time. Despite this setback, Rakestraw remains optimistic, with his Instagram post indicating a determination to return to the field.
The injury represents a significant setback for the Lions’ defense, as Rakestraw was projected to contribute substantially this year. The team will now need to rely on other players to fill the void left by Rakestraw's absence.
- Despite playing through various injuries in his rookie season, Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was expected to take a larger role in the secondary during the upcoming American-football season.
- Rakestraw's injury, which occurred during practice drills on either Sunday, August 3 or 4, has compounded concerns over the Lions' defensive depth and development in the 2025 NFL season.
- Head coach Dan Campbell has advised that Rakestraw's recovery could take some time, meaning the Lions will need other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence in the sports of football.
- Despite the setback, Rakestraw, who played college football for Missouri, remains optimistic, as evidenced by his Instagram post following shoulder surgery, indicating his determination to return to the field and continue his career in NFL American-football.
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