Lions deal with another injury during preseason opener against Bengals
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 3:06 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026

The Detroit Lions are facing significant injury challenges in their first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals on August 14, 2026. Defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. sustained an injury during the opening half after making a tackle, appearing to favor his arm as he exited the field. The Lions are already without Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, who are on the PUP list. Rakestraw missed the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury and now risks further complications. Head coach Dan Campbell previously emphasized the need for Rakestraw to show consistent performance in training camp.
- •Lions play Bengals in preseason opener on August 14, 2026.
- •Ennis Rakestraw Jr. injured while tackling during the game.
- •Rakestraw missed the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury.
- •Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on the PUP list.
- •Coach Dan Campbell has urged Rakestraw for consistent performance.
- 3:06 AMYahoo Sports — Shorthanded Lions Suffer Another Injury Blow In Preseason Opener
"The Detroit Lions are taking on the Cincinnati Bengals in their first preseason game in preparation for the 2026 NFL season, and already, they’ve had to deal with a myriad of injuries that have taken place on the practice field.That, in addition to Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph starting Training Camp on the PUP list, […] The post Shorthanded Lions Suffer Another Injury Blow In Preseason Opener appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 10:34 PMPackers, LaFleur enthused Jacobs, 'an elite-level back,' can practice Wednesday
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 9:30 PMNFL says Steelers-Saints in Paris still on despite civil unrest in France
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 9:16 PMRomeo Doubs’ injury: Latest update after Patriots WR leaves Jets game
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 8:00 PMMatt LaFleur demands “Cleaner football” from Packers after Cowboys win
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 6:03 PMBrowns are Ohio’s most popular NFL team, but not everywhere
NFL•Oct 19, 2026, 3:05 PMFalcons release veteran quarterback after Andy Dalton signing
