Rakestraw will have to wait to make his 2026 debut after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury. With Rakestraw inactive, the Lions will have D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary, Keith Abney II and Khalil Dorsey available at cornerback against the Saints.
Rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder is inactive after missing most of training camp with a hamstring injury. He was back at practice as a full participant this week, but given the time missed in camp and Detroit’s veteran depth at linebacker, Rolder will have to wait to make his NFL debut.
Along the defensive line, defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo and edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein are inactive. That means rookie sixth-round pick Skyler Gill-Howard, who had a terrific training camp and preseason, is active and will look to make an impact in his first NFL contest.
Undrafted rookie free agent Eric O’Neill joins Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, Derrick Moore and Tyler Lacy in Detroit’s edge rotation today. O’Neill’s play throughout camp and the preseason was a great story, earning him a roster spot and now a role on gameday for Detroit.
The team also elevated defensive lineman Ben Stille from the practice squad for today’s contest.