The Detroit Lions experienced significant injuries during practice on Monday, affecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs, cornerback Terrion Arnold, and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, both of whom are rookies.
The Lions confirmed to reporters that Gibbs exited practice due to a leg injury, while Arnold dealt with an upper-body issue, and Rakestraw suffered an ankle injury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gibbs’s injury is specifically a hamstring issue.
All three players were evaluated post-practice, but further details on their injuries remain unclear.
Gibbs, who is coming off a successful rookie season that earned him Pro Bowl honors, was a first-round pick in 2023. He accumulated 1,216 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Lions’ success as they clinched the NFC North title and reached the NFC championship game.
The Lions sought to bolster their secondary, which was a weakness last season, by selecting Arnold from Alabama with the 24th overall pick and Rakestraw from Missouri in the second round with the 61st pick. Arnold is projected to start, while Rakestraw is expected to play an important backup role in his inaugural season.
With the Lions aiming to compete for the NFC North title this year, losing key players like Gibbs, Arnold, or Rakestraw for an extended period could pose a serious challenge in a highly competitive divisional race.