Key Lions Defender Could Return in Time for Opener Against Rams
September 4, 2024
The Detroit Lions may receive a significant boost as they prepare for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. DJ Reader, one of the team’s major offseason acquisitions, could potentially suit up, much earlier than expected.
Reader, who was initially forecasted to return in Week 2, is making swift progress in his recovery from a quad injury. The 30-year-old defensive tackle returned to practice last week, raising hopes of his availability. Head coach Dan Campbell provided an update on Wednesday morning, hinting at Reader’s chances.
“There’s a chance (he plays), I would say,” Campbell remarked. “This week is what we had really circled to get him the bulk of true football. (Tuesday) was his first real padded (practice), not just individual and doing some walk-through. Like, man, he’s in team (drills). We had him do some team defense, but also run some scout team, too. Going against Frank (Ragnow) and Graham (Glasgow) and (Kevin) Zeitler, and just get his confidence up, bang away in there, and really take it day-to-day.”
Reader suffered a torn quad last season in Cincinnati, but his resilient recovery process has kept him upbeat. Signing a two-year, $22 million deal with Detroit despite his injury, Reader’s motivation to join the Lions is palpable.
“I think they’re ahead of where I was when I got (to Cincinnati),” Reader stated. “I was telling (team personnel) upstairs, these guys got that same taste in the mouth that I got. I got to a Super Bowl and lost. These guys got to an NFC championship and lost. And so everybody in this building has that same goal to go get that taste out of their mouth, and I’m so ecstatic about that part. I could run through a wall about it right now, ‘cause you don’t get time to right those wrongs and this is an opportunity and I don’t think we’re going to take it lightly as a team to go out there and do our thing.”
Reader’s potential return aligns with the Lions’ heightened aspirations as they enter the season. Heralded as Super Bowl favorites and aiming for their first championship since 1957, the team is gearing up for a defining moment. With Reader on the verge of contributing, the Lions’ defense could see a significant uplift.
The first injury report of the season, expected to be released around 4 p.m. today, will provide further clarity on Reader’s status.
As anticipation builds, all eyes are on Detroit to see if DJ Reader will be ready to make his impactful debut.
