The Detroit Lions will be without cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. for the 2025 campaign.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Rakestraw underwent successful shoulder surgery on Thursday and will miss the 2025 season. The Lions placed the young corner on injured reserve as a result.
"Lions CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. underwent successful shoulder surgery today and will miss all of the 2025 season," Schultz wrote on X. "A tough blow for the talented 2nd-round pick, who was poised to take on a much bigger role in Detroit’s secondary this year before suffering the injury in practice."
Rakestraw played just eight games during his rookie year in 2024 due to a hamstring injury, and will now be held out for all of his second season due to surgery.
The Mizzou product suffered the injury during practice last Saturday, and head coach Dan Campbell stated on Monday that Rakestraw would be out for a while. It turns out it will be for the rest of the year.
"It’s a shoulder,” Campbell said. “I think it’s going to be a while. At best, I think it’s going to be a while.”
“I hate it for the kid. “It’s not his fault. Just one of those tough deals. All you can do is try to get it better, rehab, come back stronger, and move on.”
With Rakestraw out, Amik Robertson will take over as the primary nickel corner. Though Robertson is more than capable of being a solid starter in the slot position, Rakestraw was poised for a big sophomore campaign with the Lions, but injuries continue to hold back the 2024 second-round pick.
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Detroit Lions could cut ties with 46-game starting receiver via trade
Reason behind ex-Lions defender's lengthy suspension remains a mystery
Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes offers update on Aidan Hutchinson contract talks