Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. recently used social media to clear up concerns about his condition, telling fans that he is completely healthy and has actually been feeling good since December. In his message, he wrote plainly that people should stop asking about his health because he has already recovered.

Rakestraw’s last season was cut short during training camp after he suffered a shoulder injury that ended his year before it began. The injury required surgery, and he spent the entire 2025 NFL season focused on rehabilitation. During that recovery period, he also returned to the University of Missouri to complete and earn his college degree.

Head coach Dan Campbell expressed sympathy for the young defender when discussing the setback. Campbell explained that injuries can sometimes be unavoidable and frustrating for players. According to him, the only real option is to recover properly, work through rehab, come back stronger, and continue moving forward.

Before the injury occurred, Rakestraw had impressed the coaching staff during offseason practices. Campbell noted last June that the young defensive back had stood out during workouts and would have a chance to compete for a role. The coach emphasized that playing time would ultimately go to whoever performed the best, making it clear that every player on the roster must earn their position through competition.

Rakestraw’s rookie campaign had already been complicated by injuries. Earlier in the season, the former Missouri standout suffered a hamstring issue that forced him to miss several games and eventually led to a stint on injured reserve.

Reflecting on that difficult year, Rakestraw admitted that not being available for most of the season was frustrating and disappointing. As a rookie, he said he entered the league with specific expectations and hoped to spend more time on the field, particularly alongside fellow defensive back Terrion Arnold, since the team drafted them both in the same class. However, circumstances did not allow that to happen.

Looking ahead, Rakestraw said his focus is on staying healthy, mastering the defensive playbook, and proving he can contribute the way the organization expected when they drafted him. His goal, he added, is to be able to confidently say he helped the team win games.

The Lions’ recent addition of cornerback Roger McCreary suggests that competition in the secondary will remain strong. As a result, Rakestraw will need to demonstrate his development and performance to earn more playing time in the upcoming season.