In a key development for the Detroit Lions, rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw has been designated for return, according to the NFL’s official transaction wire. This move comes after Rakestraw was placed on the injured reserve list following a hamstring injury in Week 12.
Head Coach Dan Campbell had previously mentioned that Rakestraw was nearing a return, with a recent update on the team’s injured reserve players confirming his progress.
The Lions are taking a brief respite with a light workout on Thursday, and the team will be off for the next three days. Once the team returns, Rakestraw, who was a second-round pick in the draft, is expected to begin practicing in preparation for the divisional round of the playoffs.
It’s been a somewhat turbulent rookie season for Rakestraw. He has primarily contributed on special teams but is continuing to work his way up the depth chart. Meanwhile, rookie Terrion Arnold has seen the majority of the snaps at outside cornerback alongside veteran Carlton Davis. However, with Davis sidelined due to a fractured jaw, Amik Robertson and Kindle Vildor have stepped up to fill the gap in the cornerback rotation.
One bright spot for the Lions’ secondary has been the return of Ifeatu Melifonwu. The versatile 25-year-old has quickly become a valuable asset for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, providing multiple options for game-planning against opponents. In his last three games, Melifonwu has recorded eight solo tackles and a sack, showing his continued importance to the defense as the playoffs approach.
As reported on the team’s official website, “Over the last three games, Melifonwu has played 53 snaps at free safety, 48 snaps as a box safety, 30 as a slot corner, and four out wide at cornerback. He’s recorded 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, and a sack over those three contests.” His versatility could prove to be a crucial factor for the Lions as they prepare for postseason action.
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Report: Lions DC Aaron Glenn Set to Interview with Four Teams
In a week where the Detroit Lions are on a bye, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is anything but idle. While he had some downtime enjoying the Pistons game on Monday night, his schedule quickly fills up as he prepares for a series of head coaching interviews. According to NFL Network, Glenn is set to meet with four teams this week, with virtual interviews scheduled from Thursday to Saturday.
Although the exact sequence of the interviews remains unclear, Ian Rapoport reports that Glenn will speak with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars. As per NFL rules, these interviews must take place virtually at this point in the offseason.
UPDATE: Josina Anderson has since confirmed that Glenn’s interview with the Saints will take place on Friday.
Glenn has deep ties to the Jets and Saints organizations. Drafted by the Jets, he spent his first eight NFL seasons in New York before transitioning into a scouting role. As a coach, his most significant experience comes with the Saints, where he spent five years coaching defensive backs. His work there helped elevate him to his current position with the Lions. In 2022, Glenn interviewed for the Saints’ head coach role but ultimately lost out to Dennis Allen, who was their defensive coordinator at the time. Additionally, Glenn played his final NFL season with the Saints in 2008.
Meanwhile, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is also generating significant interest as a potential head coach. Reports indicate that the Bears, Patriots, and Jaguars have all requested interviews with Johnson. However, Albert Breer speculates that Johnson may only opt to interview with the Bears and Patriots.
