Ennis Rakestraw, a talented rookie defensive back who was placed on the injured reserve list due to a hamstring injury in Week 12, was officially designated for return on Thursday afternoon by the NFL’s official transaction wire. In a recent update of players currently on injured reserve, head coach Dan Campbell had hinted that Rakestraw was getting close to making a comeback. Following a light workout on Thursday, Detroit’s roster will be off for the next three days, and the former second-round
Rakestraw’s rookie season has been erratic as he has been used on special teams while trying to advance up the depth chart. Alongside veteran Carlton Davis, rookie Terrion Arnold has played most of the snaps at outside cornerback.
Amik Robertson and Kindle Vildor have been asked to stand in for Davis, who is out due to a fractured jaw. Ifeatu Melifonwu’s reappearance is greatly appreciated. Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator, has more options when game-planning against opponents thanks to the 25-year-old’s flexibility as a player from all over the secondary. Melifonwu has recorded eight solo tackles and a sack in his three games back. Late in the previous season, he became a vital member of the defence, and his adaptability might play a significant role in the postseason.
Melifonwu has played 53 free safety snaps, 48 box safety snaps, 30 slot corner snaps, and four out wide cornerback snaps in the last three games, according to the team’s website. In those three games, he has racked up 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, and a sack.