The Detroit Lions wrapped up their regular season with an impressive 15-2 record, securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC. As the Wild Card round begins this weekend, the Lions will be taking the time to rest, preparing for the Divisional Round.
Despite facing numerous injuries throughout the season on both offense and defense, the Lions’ performance has remained strong. This week, the team received positive updates regarding cornerback Terrion Arnold and running back David Montgomery. The good news continued with an important development regarding rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Lions designate CB Ennis Rakestraw for return from IR. https://t.co/W3kg9IEz6A
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 10, 2025
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Activated from IR
In Thursday’s NFL transaction wire, it was announced that Rakestraw Jr. has been designated to return from injured reserve. The Lions now have the option to activate him to the active roster at any point over the next three weeks.
The rookie, who was drafted 61st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in practice before Week 11. Prior to the injury, Rakestraw Jr. played only 46 snaps. However, with starting cornerback Carlton Davis now on IR with a broken jaw, Detroit’s depth has been tested. The team has relied on Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Kindle Vildor to handle the bulk of the reps. The potential return of Rakestraw Jr. provides the Lions with much-needed depth in their secondary.
The 22-year-old has tallied eight total tackles this season and will use the next few weeks to regain his form in practice. While he may not be immediately thrown into the action, the unpredictable nature of injuries this season means Rakestraw Jr. could play an important role in the postseason.
The return of the Texas native could be a significant boost for a Lions team that is looking to capture its first Super Bowl championship. We’ll be closely monitoring the injury report in the coming days to see if Rakestraw Jr. makes an appearance in the Divisional Round.
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Detroit Lions Celebrate Historic Achievement by Sam LaPorta
In a standout performance during the 2024 NFL regular season, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta continued to impress in his second year. As the No. 34 overall pick from Iowa, LaPorta racked up 60 catches for 726 yards and seven touchdowns.
This impressive total adds to his strong performance from his Pro Bowl rookie season in 2023. With 144 career receptions, LaPorta now holds the all-time record for most receptions by a tight end in their first two seasons. The Lions took to social media on Friday to celebrate LaPorta’s historic feat, posting, “Sam’s been getting after it!” on X.
However, LaPorta’s record may not stand for long. Brock Bowers, a rookie tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders, set a new rookie record with 112 catches in his debut season, earning first-team All-Pro honors, which could potentially eclipse LaPorta’s mark in 2025.
LaPorta’s stellar play has been a key factor in the Lions’ dominant season, as Detroit finished the regular season with a 15-2 record, claiming the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Lions will face the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round at Ford Field next weekend, following their bye in the wild-card round.
