Detroit, MI — The Detroit Lions’ practice session on Monday evening took a troubling turn as both of their highly anticipated rookie cornerbacks were sidelined with injuries. Terrion Arnold, a first-round draft pick, and Ennis Rakestraw, selected in the second round, both left the field and did not return.
Arnold is reported to be dealing with an upper body injury, while Rakestraw is suffering from an ankle injury. The incidents occurred early in the practice during one-on-one drills. Although Rakestraw briefly attempted to participate in the 11-on-11 drills, he was forced to leave after just one series. Despite the severity of their injuries, both players managed to walk off the field unaided after being attended to by trainers.
Arnold, who has been consistently working with the first-team defense throughout training camp, was a high-profile selection for the Lions, who traded up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to secure him. Rakestraw, drafted 61st overall, has spent most of the camp with the second-team defense and recently began seeing action with the third-team at the nickel position.
The Lions are already grappling with depth issues in their secondary. Reserve cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is out for an extended period due to a torn pectoral muscle. Additionally, potential starter Carlton Davis was absent from Monday’s practice, though it remains unclear whether his absence was due to injury.
With the cornerback position increasingly depleted, Kindle Vildor and Khalil Dorsey stepped up to take first-team reps towards the end of practice.
Updates on the injuries will be provided as more information becomes available. Coach Dan Campbell is scheduled to address the media following Saturday’s preseason game.