The Detroit Lions' problems in the defensive backfield are well-documented. Their inability to stop their opponents' passing game has been plaguing them all season. It has resulted in them giving up more yards and points than any other team in the league, which has led to fans calling for defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's head.
Injuries have obviously played a large part in these struggles. The Lions have been missing their two starting safeties, Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. They lost Avonte Maddox for the season. And now, they are dealing with yet another injury to a key member of the secondary.
CB Rock Ya-Sin will likely miss Lions' Week 5 clash vs. Cardinals
Veteran cornerback Rock Ya-Sin suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss at Carolina and exited the game early. On Monday, head coach Dan Campbell said that Ya-Sin's injury "doesn't look good," per team insider Nolan Bianchi. This should put his availability for Week 5 in serious jeopardy.
Ya-Sin was already marginalized in the cornerback room after the first three weeks of the season. Following a solid 2025 season where he exceeded expectations, Ya-Sin began the season as the CB2 opposite DJ Reed. He was a big reason why the Lions didn't sign a replacement for Terrion Arnold after his departure.
His start to the season, however, left plenty to be desired. He struggled in coverage, was called for costly penalties, and looked far less explosive. As a result, he lost his spot on the defensive side of the ball and was exclusively used on special teams in Week 4.
But it's not like the Lions' defense looked any better. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Roger McCreary split the CB snaps in Ya-Sin's absence. Neither player made much of an impact. They probably deserve more of a chance than Ya-Sin, to be sure, but it's not ideal that the Lions are running out of bodies in the CB room.
Without Ya-Sin, the Lions may have to rely on Keith Abney or Khalil Dorsey. They also have Nick Whiteside on the practice squad, but assuming that any of these names will be a difference-maker at this point may be wishful thinking.
That is why the Lions desperately need more cornerback depth. They went after Joey Porter Jr., but were unwilling to beat the Cowboys' offer. Now, they are back to square one and are quickly running out of options.
If Rakestraw Jr. suffers another injury or isn't able to take a step forward, the Lions will be in even bigger trouble than they are right now. Whether they will trade for a quality cornerback or not will likely determine their ability to turn their season around.
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