By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions’ training camp got off to a rough start as second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw suffered a chest injury on the opening day of practice.
During Sunday’s session, Rakestraw went down during an 11-on-11 drill. From the sideline, it wasn’t clear what caused the injury, but he was seen holding his arm or shoulder area while lying on the ground. After a few minutes of being checked by medical staff, he slowly walked off the field with assistance, appearing to be in visible discomfort.
Rakestraw was expected to compete for the primary backup role at outside cornerback after spending most of his rookie season on special teams. He appeared in eight games last season, playing 95 special teams snaps, but his growth was hindered by a hamstring injury that forced him to miss a potential Week 2 start at nickel corner.
The Lions had high hopes for him in 2025. During spring workouts, head coach Dan Campbell praised Rakestraw’s development. “We felt like once we did some things with him outside—practice, things of that nature—man, he really began to grow,” Campbell said. “And I think right now that’s where he really belongs. That’s where he can really take off.”
Following Rakestraw’s exit, veteran Rock Ya-Sin stepped in with the second-team defense. The Lions signed Ya-Sin to a one-year, $1.3 million deal this offseason, and his experience could prove vital if Rakestraw’s injury turns out to be serious. Behind starters Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed, the Lions’ depth includes Amik Robertson, Stantley Thomas-Oliver, and Khalil Dorsey—though Dorsey is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
An update on Rakestraw’s condition is expected when Coach Campbell addresses the media Monday morning.