Former Mizzou star Ennis Rakestraw Jr. suffered Injured in practice

Former Mizzou star and second-round draft pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. suffered an ankle injury during practice early last week. The injury is a significant setback for the rookie cornerback, who was impressing during his first training camp with the Detroit Lions.

Rakestraw, who has been competing for cornerback reps, was injured during a one-on-one drill. After walking off gingerly, he was caught on Instagram Live reassuring fans, saying, "We are perfectly fine."

How did Ennis Rakestraw Jr. get to this point?

Rakestraw, a Dallas, Texas native, spent four years at the University of Missouri. During his redshirt junior season, he recorded 35 total tackles, 3 pass deflections, and a forced fumble. After the season, Rakestraw declared for the NFL Draft, earning a reputation for his strong man coverage skills.

The Detroit Lions selected him in the second round with the 61st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, pairing him with first-round pick cornerback Terrion Arnold in attempt to rebuild a struggling secondary.

Before his injury, Rakestraw was thriving at Lions camp, excelling in both practices and preseason games. In his first (and only) preseason game against the New York Giants, Rakestraw recorded 3 tackles (1 solo). His performance in that game and in practice likely reassured the Lions, who cleared out their cornerback room this past offseason and are in need of a boost in the secondary. Rakestraw has potential to be the answer—they just need him to stay healthy.