The Detroit Lions have been hit with two significant injuries to their rookie class. Safety Dan Jackson was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a leg injury during practice. Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating the injury “doesn’t look good” and that Jackson is expected to be out for an extended period. Though no clear return timeline was given, being placed on IR confirms Jackson will miss crucial developmental time in his first NFL season.
Jackson, selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Georgia, was seen as a promising sleeper pick. Despite his late draft position at 230th overall, he stood out during his college career, earning third-team All-SEC honors. In 2024, he ranked third on Georgia’s team in total tackles with 64 and was praised for his reliability and football instincts.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr (NFL)Lions Face Early Setbacks as Two Promising Rookies Suffer Training Camp Injuries
The rookie had shown strong motivation to contribute to the Lions’ roster in any role, including special teams. His early placement on injured reserve is a disappointing setback for both Jackson and the team, which had hoped to develop him through training camp and preseason reps. Coach Campbell expressed uncertainty around the nature and outcome of the injury but confirmed Jackson would be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Adding to the Lions’ injury woes, second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. suffered a shoulder injury during the same practice. Campbell was similarly cautious in his comments, indicating the cornerback will be out “for a while at best.” The simultaneous loss of two promising rookies could impact Detroit’s depth and development plans as the team prepares for the regular season.
