By Sunday 
A Small Win for a Battered Defense
The Detroit Lions have had a tough start to training camp this year. From the jump, injuries have taken a toll on the team’s defensive unit — a group that was already under scrutiny heading into the 2025 season. But on a day when it felt like another blow was on the way, head coach Dan Campbell brought a little light to the situation.
Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who left practice early on Sunday with a chest injury, seems to have avoided anything serious. That’s a rare and welcome sigh of relief for a Lions team that’s been taking one hit after another.
“Should be okay. Everything came back negative,” Campbell shared in his post-practice presser. “He’s certainly sore. He’ll be out two days here… but structurally, everything looks pretty good.”
Rakestraw Dodges a Bullet
Rakestraw was expected to step up in his second season and provide some needed depth behind starters D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold. After battling injuries during his rookie campaign, hopes were high that 2025 would be his breakout year. So when he walked off the field with trainers on Day 1 of camp, Lions fans braced for the worst.
Thankfully, they won’t have to endure another long-term absence. The team now expects Rakestraw to return in a matter of days — not weeks.
But the Depth Chart Is Still Shaky
While Rakestraw’s status is positive news, the rest of the injury list remains a concern. Levi Onwuzurike is already done for the season with an ACL tear. Josh Paschal and Malcolm Rodriguez are still recovering from surgeries, and Alim McNeill is also sidelined. Even Alex Anzalone, a staple of the linebacker corps, has been out with a hamstring injury and is dealing with a contract situation.
That means the Lions’ defensive line — already paper-thin — will be tested heavily throughout camp. Names like DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, and rookie Tyleik Williams (yes, he might be thrown into the fire early) will need to step up quickly.
Could Free Agency Be the Next Move?
There’s also some buzz around the idea of adding depth from the open market. Players like Jordan Phillips and Maurice Hurst remain unsigned and could be short-term fixes. However, there’s a reason they’re still available — and Detroit will have to weigh experience against upside.
Conclusion: Take the Wins Where You Can Get Them
For now, Lions fans can exhale a little. The Rakestraw update isn’t just good news — it’s needed morale. In a camp that’s already feeling the heat, a two-day absence feels like nothing short of a blessing.
Because sometimes, in a sport where the injuries stack up fast, just staying on your feet is a victory.