The Detroit Lions have released their list of inactives ahead of the Week 2 game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and there was one surprising healthy scratch among them: cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Rakestraw was not on the team's injury report during the week, so his benching isn't injury-related, unless he got hurt during pregame warm-ups. There has been nothing to suggest that is the case as of this writing.
The 2024 second-round pick, who was slated to be the top backup off the bench going into the season, dressed for the Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams and played three snaps on defense and 11 on special teams.
#TBvsDET inactives presented by Henry Ford Health pic.twitter.com/oogww6SwIr
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 15, 2024
Why is Ennis Rakestraw Jr. inactive?
Rakestraw being listed as inactive means the Lions are opting for Khalil Dorsey and Kindle Vildor instead of the rookie. Dorsey and Vildor played 16 and 15 snaps on special teams last week, respectively, but did not play on defense.
We can only assume that the Lions are opting for both of the veterans over Rakestraw because of special teams. Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire also believes the decision has something to do with special teams.
"Rakestraw had a special teams gaffe in Week 1 that might have led to his sitting," Risdon wrote.
So, it would appear that, barring injury, Rakestraw has to do better on special teams moving forward if he wants to be active on a weekly basis. We'll see how things play out next week.
