After a 34-7 blowout loss in Canton, whispers of potential roster cuts are starting to get louder inside the Detroit Lions camp — and two well-known names are suddenly under fire.
Preseason Panic Sets In After Embarrassing Loss
Thursday night in Canton, Ohio was supposed to be a chance for the Detroit Lions to showcase their depth and momentum heading into the 2025 season. Instead, they were dominated by the Los Angeles Chargers in a 34-7 defeat that left fans stunned — and analysts raising serious concerns.
The lopsided loss sparked immediate conversation around player performances, and one respected insider isn’t holding back.
Beat Writer Points Out Two Potential Casualties
In a Friday interview, MLive.com Lions beat writer Kory Woods joined a live show to break down what went wrong — and who might be in danger because of it.
“It wasn’t a good showing,” Woods said bluntly when discussing second-round cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, who many expected to be a key rotational piece in the Lions’ secondary.
“Ennis just has to go out there and make himself pop. He, along with Broderic Martin, are two guys I’m watching closely.”
The warning was clear: if these two don’t turn it around in camp, their spots may not be secure — especially with the team bringing in veteran competition at both positions.
Draft Status Might Not Be Enough to Save Them
Although Rakestraw was drafted highly, Woods emphasized that draft pedigree won’t guarantee security on a competitive roster.
“Ennis is still young. They drafted him pretty high, and I think they’ll give him more chances to clean up some mistakes,” Woods said.
“But I don’t want to be premature — these are guys who could possibly find themselves not making the roster or even the practice squad.”
That’s a major red flag for fans who have followed Rakestraw’s college career and believed he’d make an immediate impact.
What It Means for the Lions Moving Forward
Both Rakestraw and Martin came into camp with hopes of locking down meaningful snaps. But as the team evaluates its depth — especially following a humbling loss — their margin for error is shrinking fast.
With veterans breathing down their necks and public scrutiny growing, the next few weeks could be make-or-break.
Will they bounce back and prove they belong? Or will they become high-profile cuts in a crowded depth chart?
Final Thoughts
Preseason games may not count in the standings — but they count in the locker room. And for two promising Detroit Lions, the pressure is officially on.
Cut watch has begun.
