The Detroit Lions entered their 2026 preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals already dealing with a lengthy list of injuries. Unfortunately for Dan Campbell’s team, the injury situation became even more concerning during Thursday night’s 16-14 loss in Cincinnati.
Detroit was without several important players entering the game, including defensive backs Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, while newly signed starting center Cade Mays is expected to miss significant time with a wrist injury. That made the preseason opener particularly important for younger players trying to fill critical roles.
The Lions then watched another defensive back leave the game.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. exits with injury
The biggest concern came when cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. suffered an apparent arm injury after making a tackle on Bengals running back Tahj Brooks.
Rakestraw appeared to favor his arm as he walked off the field under his own power before heading toward the locker room with a trainer.
The timing was particularly frustrating for Rakestraw. The former Missouri standout missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a shoulder injury during training camp. He entered this year’s preseason hoping to finally establish himself as a reliable part of Detroit’s secondary.
Now, another injury has temporarily interrupted that opportunity.
The good news is that early indications appear encouraging. Later reports suggested that Rakestraw’s injury may not be considered a long-term issue, although the Lions will need further evaluation before determining exactly how much time he could miss.
Detroit cannot afford more losses in the secondary
The injury is significant because Detroit is already navigating major uncertainty at safety and cornerback.
Branch and Joseph began training camp on the physically unable to perform list, leaving the Lions without two of their most important defensive backs. That forced younger players and less-established veterans into expanded roles during the preseason opener.
Rakestraw was supposed to be part of that solution.
Losing him, even temporarily, would put additional pressure on Detroit’s remaining cornerbacks and could force the coaching staff to experiment with more combinations throughout the rest of preseason.
The Lions were already shorthanded entering Cincinnati, and that reality was obvious when they faced a Bengals team that played several of its starters, including quarterback Joe Burrow, for limited action.
A mixed night for Detroit
Despite the injury concerns, the Lions found several positives.
Defensive end Ahmed Hassanein was one of the biggest standouts, recording two sacks and forcing a fumble. Detroit’s defense also created four fumbles overall, giving Campbell plenty to like from his young defensive players.
Running back Jacob Saylors also impressed, finishing with 83 total yards while taking advantage of opportunities created by injuries elsewhere in Detroit’s running back room.
Still, the 16-14 defeat was overshadowed by the health concerns.
For the Lions, the preseason is ultimately about evaluating players and building depth. But Detroit needs those players healthy enough to compete for roster spots and starting jobs.
Rakestraw’s status will therefore be worth monitoring closely. If the injury proves minor, the Lions can breathe a sigh of relief. If he misses extended time, however, another already-thin position group could face an even bigger challenge heading into the regular season.
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