Lions head coach Dan Campbell noted earlier this week that Ennis Rakestraw
was likely facing a lengthy absence. The latest update regarding the second-year corner further indicates that will be the case. 
A post from Rakestraw’s Instagram account (h/t MLive’s Kory Woods ) demonstrates he is set to undergo surgery. A shoulder injury suffered during training camp resulted in Campbell’s recent remarks, and the issue is clearly serious enough to warrant a procedure. Rakestraw’s recovery will be something to monitor in the build-up to the regular season.
Selected in the second round of last year’s draft, Rakestraw did not make a major impression during his rookie campaign. Totaling just 141 total snaps (defense and special teams combined) across eight games, the 23-year-old is essentially coming off a redshirt campaign. A backup role on the perimeter is in store once Rakestraw is healthy, with the Lions set to use Terrion Arnold , D.J. Reed and Amik Robertson as cornerback starters. Avonte Maddox is set to occupy a second-team role in the slot and at safety behind Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch .
Injuries were a concern in Rakestraw’s case during his college career. The Missouri product was limited to four games as a junior and nine in his senior campaign, but that missed time did not do much damage to his draft stock. Still, this latest ailment is obviously a setback for team and player with Detroit aiming for a healthier campaign than least season on defense and Rakestraw looking to establish himself as at least a role player for years to come.
On Monday, the Lions signed a pair of corners in Luq Barcoo and D.J. Miller. Those two will spend the remainder of training camp and the preseason attempting to carve out a roster spot. Meanwhile, Rakestraw will begin the rehab process shortly as he and the team await word on how long his absence is expected to last.