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Report: DJ Reader 'Not Quite Ready' to Play against Rams

DJ Reader not quite ready to debut for Detroit Lions.

John Maakaron

Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader
Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader / Phil Didion/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Detroit Lions are going to be without veteran DJ Reader for their 2024 season debut.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, "Lions DT DJ Reader, attempting to return from a significant injury, is not quite ready to return to play, sources say. Next week is a more realistic timeline."

The former Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman has been steadily working his way back from a torn right quad muscle suffered last season against the Minnesota Vikings, an injury he also suffered in his left leg back in 2020.

“At the beginning, I guess you have those initial thoughts (you might be done) because it’s tough to come back from. Learning how to rehab all the time and always spending your time doing that process is tough," Reader said, via the Dayton Daily News. "It can get mentally taxing, but I think, in my head, just I feel like I’ve got a lot of good ball left in me. I mean, I feel like this was one of my better years, and I don’t really want to end it that way. I’ve got a lot left in me, so just rehab it and get back.”

Lions Elevate Tom Kennedy, Kyle Peko, Sign Chris Smith to Active Roster

Detroit decided to add two defensive tackles for its Week 1 game with the Rams, which hinted at the fact the 30-year-old may not debut Sunday night. Chris Smith was signed to the active roster, while Kyle Peko was elevated from the practice squad.

Dan Campbell had also previously indicated the initial plan was for Reader to debut in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Reader has been steadily improving since his return to the practice field, after missing the majority of his first training camp with the Lions.

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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