NEWYou now have the option to listen to news articles!
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., a cornerback for the Detroit Lions, has been placed on injured reserve due to a season-ending injury. Following the news, he took to social media to address the negative messages he had been receiving.
Rakestraw, 23, sustained a shoulder injury during a tackling drill on Sunday and underwent season-ending surgery on Thursday.
After the surgery, Rakestraw shared a positive message on social media.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., #15 of the Detroit Lions, looks on from the sideline prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on September 8, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Shortly after his post, Rakestraw made a plea to fans on social media to stop sending negative messages about his future with the team.
The Lions drafted Rakestraw in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft from Missouri. Last year, he played only eight games due to injuries.
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. runs drills during an NFL football practice on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Allen Park, Mich. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
In his previous games, Rakestraw accumulated six combined tackles without any starts.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed sympathy for Rakestraw, acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (84) catches a pass in front of Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (9) in the first half of the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL preseason game Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Rakestraw played in the Hall of Fame game last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, where they suffered a loss.
Rakestraw, who played all four seasons at Missouri, had an impressive career with notable stats.
The Lions’ upcoming preseason game is against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Stay updated on sports news by following Fox News Digital’s sports coverage and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
