DETROIT – Detroit Lions second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. will miss the 2025 NFL season as he was placed on injured reserve following successful shoulder surgery.
Rakestraw, Jr. posted to his Instagram Reel pre-surgery with the caption “Road to be back starts soon.”
Recommended Videos
The Detroit Lions have placed second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. on season-ending injured reserve following successful shoulder surgery.
— Brandon L. Carr (@Carrpediem21) August 7, 2025
The second-year cornerback posted to his Instagram Stories pre-surgery with the caption “Road to be back starts soon.” pic.twitter.com/J6GnNebWOB
The Lions selected the second-year cornerback out of Missouri with the 61st pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Rakestraw Jr. played in eight games during his rookie season, where he recorded six total tackles, five of which were solos.
He missed time last season as he was nursing a hamstring injury before eventually being placed on IR.
Rakestraw Jr. suffered the shoulder injury on Sunday (Aug. 3) during Lions practice.
Head coach Dan Campbell spoke on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, acknowledging that Rakestraw Jr. continues to face challenges.
“He’s had a bunch of injuries to start his career. You hate it for the kid. It’s not his fault. All you can do is try to get better, rehab, come back stronger, and move on,” Campbell said.
With moving the 23-year-old to IR, the Lions have signed tight end Steven Stilianos to add more depth to the position.
Lions announce roster moves:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 7, 2025
Placed CB Ennis Rakestraw on Reserve/Injured.
Signed TE Steven Stilianos. pic.twitter.com/MY8dRpI6Xc