Lions head coach Dan Campbell noted earlier this week that Ennis Rakestraw was likely facing a lengthy absence. The latest update regarding the second-year corner further indicates that will be the case. 
A post from Rakestraw’s Instagram account (h/t MLive’s Kory Woods) demonstrates he is set to undergo surgery. A shoulder injury suffered during training camp resulted in Campbell’s recent remarks, and the issue is clearly serious enough to warrant a procedure. Rakestraw’s recovery will be something to monitor in the build-up to the regular season.
Selected in the second round of last year’s draft, Rakestraw did not make a major impression during his rookie campaign. Totaling just 141 total snaps (defense and special teams combined) across eight games, the 23-year-old is essentially coming off a redshirt campaign. A backup role on the perimeter is in store once Rakestraw is healthy, with the Lions set to use Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed and Amik Robertson as cornerback starters. Avonte Maddox is set to occupy a second-team role in the slot and at safety behind Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
Injuries were a concern in Rakestraw’s case during his college career. The Missouri product was limited to four games as a junior and nine in his senior campaign, but that missed time did not do much damage to his draft stock. Still, this latest ailment is obviously a setback for team and player with Detroit aiming for a healthier campaign than least season on defense and Rakestraw looking to establish himself as at least a role player for years to come.
On Monday, the Lions signed a pair of corners in Luq Barcoo and D.J. Miller. Those two will spend the remainder of training camp and the preseason attempting to carve out a roster spot. Meanwhile, Rakestraw will begin the rehab process shortly as he and the team await word on how long his absence is expected to last.
Tough break for him, I liked him coming out. Still, their defense should be fine. It’s the interior offensive line they should be worried about this year, if anything.