Following recent developments, including cornerback Ennis Rakestraw’s move to injured reserve, here is a comprehensive update on the Detroit Lions’ injury situation.
Short-Term Injuries
- Terrion Arnold, CB (Hamstring): The rookie’s hamstring injury is considered minor. With the regular season still a month away, there is ample time for a gradual ramp-up to full activity.
- Dan Skipper, OT (Low Ankle Sprain): The sprain is not severe, and Skipper is expected to be ready for Week 1.
- Pat O’Connor, DT (Leg) & Jamarco Jones, OT (Ankle): While specifics have not been disclosed, Head Coach Dan Campbell indicated the injuries are minor. “They’re good, it’s just gonna take a minute,” Campbell said.
- Dominic Lovett, WR (Abdomen): Campbell suggested a brief recovery for the seventh-round rookie, stating “maybe 10 days” for his return from what is believed to be a mild abdominal or oblique strain.
- Sione Vaki, RB (Hamstring): After recovering from a hamstring issue, Vaki missed a recent practice for undisclosed reasons.
- Taylor Decker, OT (Shoulder): Decker began training camp on the PUP list following offseason shoulder cleanup surgery but has since returned to practice and is on track for the season.
Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List
- Khalil Dorsey, CB (Tibia/Fibula Fracture): Dorsey is projected to be ready within a month. However, the team may keep him on the PUP list to begin the season for roster management purposes, which would free up a spot on the 53-man roster.
- Mekhi Wingo, DT (Knee): Recovering from meniscus surgery, Wingo is targeting a September return. The extended recovery timeline has raised some long-term concerns.
- Miles Frazier, OG (Knee): Frazier is expected to return between September and October and will likely start the season on the PUP list.
- Malcolm Rodriguez, LB (ACL): Rodriguez is rehabilitating a torn ACL and is targeting an October return.
- Alim McNeill, DT (ACL): McNeill is working his way back from an ACL tear and is expected to return in November.
Non-Football Injury (NFI) List
- Josh Paschal, EDGE (Unspecified Surgery): Paschal is recovering from an offseason cleanup surgery and is aiming for a September return.
Injured Reserve (IR)
- Ennis Rakestraw, CB (Shoulder): Rakestraw recently underwent shoulder surgery and has been placed on season-ending injured reserve. By placing him on IR before the final roster cutdown, the Lions have made him ineligible to be designated for return this season, indicating the team believes a 2025 return was highly unlikely. This marks another setback for the 23-year-old, who previously dealt with multiple hamstring strains, a core muscle surgery, and an ACL tear. He has two years remaining on his rookie contract.
- Dan Jackson, S (Leg): An unspecified leg injury has landed the seventh-round pick on season-ending injured reserve. This move ensures Jackson will remain with the organization into next year, as he is now protected from being claimed by other teams.
- Levi Onwuzurike, DT (ACL): Onwuzurike, who is in the final year of his contract, is recovering from an ACL injury and is not expected to play for the Lions again.
