Ennis Rakestraw Jr., a cornerback for the Detroit Lions, is currently sidelined after suffering a season-ending injury. He turned to social media to request that fans stop sending negative messages directed at him.
The 23-year-old player sustained a shoulder injury during a tuck drill on Sunday and underwent surgery on Thursday, which has now put him out for the remainder of the season. He shared a hopeful update following his operation.
“I won’t ask him questions because God has all the answers. But I’m really sorry #Detroit,” Rakestraw expressed in a post on X.
Shortly after, he returned to social media to make an emotional plea to his supporters. “And I stopped saying I was trying to cut,” he noted.
Rakestraw was chosen by the Lions as their second pick from Missouri in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he struggled with injuries, managing to play only eight games last season.
The Lions’ head coach, Dan Campbell, voiced his empathy for the young player. “You hate seeing this happen to kids. It’s not his fault; it’s just one of those tough situations. All you can do is help him recover and come back stronger,” Campbell commented.
Rakestraw did not start any games last season and accumulated just six combined tackles. His recent game was against the Los Angeles Chargers, which resulted in a loss of 34-7 in the Hall of Fame game. Throughout his four years at Missouri, he played in 36 games, achieving 107 combined tackles, 24 passes defended, one interception, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
The next preseason game for the Lions is scheduled against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday at 7 PM.
