The Detroit Lions will desperately try to turn the tide around when they host the New York Jets on Sunday. Even though they are technically 1-1, the vibes surrounding the team are less than ideal. This is partly because they were a two-point conversion away from being 0-2, they have the second-worst defense, and they are already dealing with a frustrating list of injuries.
There will be a ton of pressure on Dan Campbell and the coaching staff to make changes. Whether it's the scheme or the personnel, Lions fans expect adjustments from the team.
One thing Campbell can do is give a chance to players who haven't been in the plans so far. This includes cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Lions have to give CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. a chance in Week 3
The third-year player has yet to play this season despite being on the 53-man roster. He was inactive for both games, but it's about time that changes.
The Lions' defensive backfield has struggled immensely so far. They were carved up by opposing passing attacks in both games, and their cornerback play is a big reason why.
Rock Ya-Sin deserves most of the criticism here. After exceeding expectations in his first year in Detroit in 2025, the veteran cornerback is off to a poor start. In coverage, he has allowed 11 receptions on 16 targets for 99 yards and a touchdown. He has committed three penalties so far. His 43.7 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus ranks 86th among 96 qualified cornerbacks in the NFL.
The frustrating thing is that none of this comes as a surprise. Once Terrion Arnold left the team, he left a big hole. But the Lions thought they could find an internal solution.
The same goes for the injuries to Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Even though they added backup safeties, how far away Branch and Joseph are from returning suggests that they probably should have made a splashier move to address this weakness.
But this is when the Lions' much-heralded depth has to come into play. GM Brad Holmes and Campbell talked about how much they loved the quality and depth of this team up and down the roster. Now, it's time we see it put to the test.
Giving Rakestraw a look instead of Ya-Sin would be a great start. When asked about the possibility of Rakestraw, along with Ahmed Hassanein, who was also inactive in the past two weeks, making his season debut, Campbell said this was one of the things they were considering. He added that he is open to everything.
If Rakestraw is still a healthy scratch in Week 3 when the secondary is struggling to this degree, then there is little reason he should be taking up a spot on the roster. Injuries have derailed Rakestraw's once-promising career so far, but he could get an opportunity to prove his worth. Whether the Lions give him that chance, however, remains to be seen.
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