Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ennis Rakestraw Injury Drops Him to Fourth Cornerback

8/21/2026

37 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ennis Rakestraw left Detroit Lions practice on August 20, 2026, for a lower-leg injury evaluation.
Reporters said the non-contact injury left him walking under his own power.
The injury dropped him to fourth on the outside corner depth chart behind Reed, Ya-Sin, and Whiteside.
Coaches noted five cornerbacks are ahead and a roster spot would require special-teams contribution.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s 1995 expansion added the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers, raising the league to 30 teams and prompting an expansion draft on February 15 that saw Jacksonville select 31 players and Carolina 35. That influx of new talent intensified roster competition, a pattern echoed today as Detroit cornerbacks like James Allen and Ennis Rakestraw battle injuries and depth-chart shifts.

1 of 2

Story summary

Ennis Rakestraw left Detroit Lions practice on August 20, 2026, for a lower-leg injury evaluation.
Reporters said the non-contact injury left him walking under his own power.
The injury dropped him to fourth on the outside corner depth chart behind Reed, Ya-Sin, and Whiteside.
Coaches noted five cornerbacks are ahead and a roster spot would require special-teams contribution.

1 / 2