Detroit Lions CB Wants Fans to Stop Asking About His Health

Ennis Rakestraw says he's been fully healthy since December and wants to move on

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw took to social media over the past weekend to let fans know he has been fully healthy since December and wants them to stop asking about his health. Rakestraw missed the entire 2025 NFL season after undergoing shoulder surgery but has been rehabbing and is ready to compete for playing time in 2026.

Why it matters

Rakestraw was a second-round draft pick for the Lions in 2024 but injuries have limited his playing time so far in his young career. The team is hoping he can stay healthy and contribute this upcoming season as they look to improve their secondary.

The details

Rakestraw posted on social media saying "Fully healthy quit asking been healthy since December." He spent the 2025 season rehabbing his shoulder after undergoing surgery. During offseason workouts last year, Rakestraw caught the attention of the coaching staff, with head coach Dan Campbell saying he had a good spring and would get a chance to compete for playing time. However, injuries also derailed much of Rakestraw's rookie season in 2024 as well.

  • Rakestraw injured his shoulder during training camp in 2025, leading to season-ending surgery.
  • Rakestraw spent the entire 2025 NFL season rehabbing his shoulder injury.
  • Rakestraw returned to Missouri to earn his college degree during the 2025 season.

The players

Ennis Rakestraw

A cornerback for the Detroit Lions who was a second-round draft pick in 2024 but has struggled with injuries in his first two NFL seasons.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who has expressed optimism about Rakestraw's potential when healthy.

Roger McCreary

A cornerback recently added to the Lions' roster, indicating Rakestraw will have to compete for playing time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fully healthy quit asking been healthy since December.”

— Ennis Rakestraw (Twitter)

“Yeah, I mean, you hate it for the kid, you hate it. It's not his fault, just one of those tough deals. All you can do is try to get it better and rehab, come back stronger and move on. That's all you can do.”

— Dan Campbell, Lions Head Coach (Yardbarker)

“Ennis would be another guy that stood out. It's up to him. He's got an opportunity. We're going to play the best guy. That's what competition's about. The whole roster knows that. If you're the best guy, we're not going to just sit there. It's the best guy.”

— Dan Campbell, Lions Head Coach (Yardbarker)

“Last year I felt like I wasn't available for the most part, and that kind of made me mad and disappointed. Coming in as a rookie you have these goals for yourself. They drafted me and Terrion so I thought I was going to get to play with him a lot. Wound up not happening.”

— Ennis Rakestraw (Yardbarker)

What’s next

The Lions will monitor Rakestraw's progress closely during offseason workouts and training camp as he looks to earn a larger role in the secondary.

The takeaway

Rakestraw's injury history has been frustrating for both the player and the team, but the Lions remain optimistic about his potential if he can stay healthy. His ability to compete for playing time will be a key storyline to watch as the team prepares for the 2026 season.