Lions’ training camp injury uncertainty might force obvious decision

The Detroit Lions didn’t need this. Not even 24 hours after losing Levi Onwuzurike for the year, second-year corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr. exited practice with an apparent chest injury. It’s unclear how serious it is, but the narrative isn't great.

Rakestraw came into camp needing every snap he could get after a frustrating rookie year. Now, he’s back on the injury report before the first day of training camp was even over.

Detroit spent the offseason adding to its promising secondary for exactly this reason with D.J. Reed and Avonte Maddox. The top of the depth chart looks strong with Terrion Arnold and Reed, and Amik Robertson figures to lock down the slot again. But the injury to Rakestraw exposes a different concern. The Lions may have bodies, but they don’t have many proven outside corners behind their starters.

That’s where a name like Stephon Gilmore comes in. The 34-year-old remains unsigned and has made it clear he’s not looking for just any opportunity. But the Motor City might just be his Cinderella slipper.

Gilmore brings experience Detroit could use in the cornerback room

Gilmore played in 15 games last season for the Minnesota Vikings and was far from washed. He finished with 56 tackles, nine pass breakups, and an interception. His PFF run defense grade ranked 28th among all cornerbacks, and while his coverage grade dipped from his prime, he still allowed just a 61.9% completion rate.

He’s not a shutdown No. 1 guy anymore, but that’s not what Detroit would need from him. Depth, depth, and more depth is all they need from the soon-to-be 14-year vet.

His signing would be all about having someone who can play quality reps in a pinch and help bring along the younger guys. Gilmore is a former Defensive Player of the Year who’s made a career out of adapting and staying relevant.

There’s no urgency to sign him today—the team will need to find out more about Rakestraw—but it wouldn’t hurt to have an introductory Zoom call. Gilmore is the type of veteran who can step into a competitive environment and still hold up when called upon. The Lions can talk themselves into depth all they want, but Rakestraw’s setback is a reminder of how fast things can shift. If 2024 taught this team anything, it's that things can go off the rails in a hurry.

Even if Rakestraw's injury isn't all that serious, and he doesn't miss time, it's never a bad idea to have even more reliable depth for those "break glass in case of emergency" scenarios.

Detroit is flushed with available cash, so if nothing else, it’s worth finding out what it would take.

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