The Detroit Lions were without several key players with injuries during practice on Monday, including running back Jameer Gibbs, first-round draft pick rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold and second-round draft pick rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw.
The Lions told beat reporters that Gibbs left practice with a leg injury, Arnold had an upper-body injury and Rakestraw had an ankle injury. ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that Gibbs’ injury was a hamstring injury.
According to reporters, all three players were examined after practice. Details of the injuries were initially unknown.
Gibbs is coming off a breakout rookie season in which he was selected to the Pro Bowl. The 2023 first-round draft pick recorded 1,216 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns for the NFL’s third-ranked offense. He was a key part of Detroit’s NFC North win and a berth in the NFC Championship Game.
Jameel Gibbs reportedly suffered a hamstring injury during the Lions’ practice on Monday. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Detroit’s defense was its biggest weakness last season, and the Lions addressed that with their first two picks in the NFL Draft, selecting Arnold out of Alabama with the 24th pick and Rakestraw out of Missouri with the 61st pick in April. Arnold is expected to be a starter, while Rakestraw is expected to play a key backup role in his rookie season.
The Lions are expected to compete for not just the NFC North title but more this season, and an extended absence of Gibbs, Arnold or Rakestraw would be an early blow to what is expected to be a tight division race.
