Lions Ennis Rakestraw Injury Not Believed to Be Major

Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. suffered an arm injury during Thursday’s 16-14 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but initial evaluations indicated the injury was not major. Rakestraw was hurt in the second quarter while tackling Bengals running back Tahj Brooks and remained on the field as trainers examined him. Earlier in the series, he also absorbed contact from Lions linebacker Devin White involving his other arm. Rakestraw did not return to the game. Lions coach Dan Campbell later said the cornerback appeared to have a minor arm contusion, while reporting indicated X-rays found no structural damage. Rakestraw, Detroit’s 2024 second-round pick, is entering his third NFL season after injuries limited him to eight games as a rookie and ended his 2025 season after shoulder surgery. The latest injury adds uncertainty to his competition for defensive-backfield snaps, although current evidence does not indicate a long-term absence.