Training camp for the Detroit Lions opens on July 25 for the rookies. That means it’s time to start the training camp medical preview series. The Lions CB room is in flux after the release of Terrion Arnold. That means they will need one or more of the young, unproven backups to take a step forward.
Here is the excerpt on the projected backup CB’s from Lions 2026 Training Camp Medical Preview: Cornerbacks.
Click on player name for full medical report if available. (Age at start of season in parentheses.)
Ennis Rakestraw (24)
Medical concern level: 6/10
This 3rd-year CB carries the highest medical concern of the group, having missed last season with shoulder surgery and most of the prior season with hamstrings. He also has a core muscle surgery and ACL in his past.
While his history is concerning, he is still youthful at age 24.
OUTLOOK: Rakestraw is currently healthy and now has added some bulk. It will help out the Lions’ defense tremendously if he can stay healthy and live up to his 2nd-round status.
It will help out Lions’ fans mental health if Rakestraw can erase the memory of the disastrous 1st-round selection (Terrion Arnold) from his class. While it seems unlikely he’ll beat out Ya-Sin for a starting outside CB job, that would be the ideal outcome for the Lions long-term.
Roger McCreary (26)
Medical concern level: 2/10
This free agent signing went on IR temporarily last year with a groin/hip injury. Overall, his medical concern level is low and his age is excellent.
OUTLOOK: This young, healthy addition adds reliability to the CB room. He should compete for the starting nickel role.
Khalil Dorsey (28)
Medical concern level: 2/10
Dorsey suffered a concussion and wrist injury last season that caused six missed games. The year prior, he had a tib/fib fracture which he has fully recovered from.
OUTLOOK: Dorsey enters the season healthy. His age is starting to creep up, but he has low mileage and a lot of experience with the team.
Nick Whiteside (26)
Medical concern level: 4/10
Whiteside has a reported history of an Achilles rupture and foot fracture. Last season with the Lions, he was healthy and appeared in nine games.
OUTLOOK: This young player has a chance to be a surprise factor in the secondary.
For the rest of the Lions competing for backup CB, visit Lions 2026 Training Camp Medical Preview: Cornerbacks.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions Training Camp Medical Preview: Projected Backup CB’s
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire | USA TODAY Network
