The Detroit Lions were dealt a blow to begin training camp after learning defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike will be out the entire 2025 season recovering from ACL surgery. Unfortunately, following the first training camp practice, Lions fans received more bad injury news.
According to the Athletic's Colton Pouncy, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr, left practice early with a chest injury.
Lions CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. left practice early this morning. Being evaluated for a chest injury, per the team.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) July 20, 2025
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Suffers Chest Injury During First Lions Training Camp Practice
The Lions selected Rakestraw with the 61st pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old was supposed to make his first career start in Week 2 last season, but he was dealing with a hamstring injury that sidelined him. Following that, he was mainly seen on special teams, recording just six tackles.
That said, fans expected big things out of Rakestraw during training camp after head coach Dan Campbell had strong words about him in the spring. Campbell said, "We felt like once we did some things with him outside—practice, things of that nature—man, he really began to grow. And I think right now that’s where he really belongs. That’s where he can really take off.”
Campbell's comments not only reflected Rakestraw's growth, but also the team's belief that he can play outside cornerback. As a rookie, the 23-year-old was the primary backup at nickel cornerback. Transitioning to the outside cornerback isn't always the easiest thing to do, but it sounded like Rakestraw was ready to show he could do it.
While Rakestraw is sidelined, veteran cornerback Rock Ya-Sin will step in as an outside cornerback with the second team defense. Detroit signed Ya-Sin to a one-year contract worth $1.3 million this offseason.
Currently, it is not yet known how serious Rakestraw's injury is. However, if it sends up costing him multiple practices, the Lions' decision to sign Ya-Sin could prove to be valuable.
Detroit returns to the practice field on Monday, which is likely when an update on Rakestraw will be provided by Campbell.