In a move expected to energize Detroit Lions fans, defensive tackle D.J. Reader has been cleared off the physically unable-to-perform list. This is awesome news for the Lions, as they’re preparing for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in two weeks. The timing could not be more perfect, as the return of Reader is the setup for the season.
Detroit Lions’ Reader Makes Return
The announcement came Sunday, just as NFL teams were finalizing their rosters. Now that Reader is officially off the PUP list, the Lions can zero in on moving their important free-agent addition into their lineup. Coach Dan Campbell alluded to the fact that the reader returned to practice last week, and that forecast turned out to be correct. Recovery is well on course for the reader, and one thing is quite clear: the Lions really can’t wait to see him out on the field again.
Reader, who tore his right quadriceps tendon in December while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, has worked overtime on the field to find his form. Although he didn’t practice with the Detroit Lions this summer, he has been doing some hard-core rehab and training. His work toward recovery was evident when he showed up for the drills some trainers did last week and talked about his progress at a back-to-school event recently.
A Veteran’s Perspective
At 30 years old, Reader remains one of the NFL’s elite forces at clogging up running lanes in the interior. His expertise and tools are going to come in handy for the Detroit Lions, who ranked a lowly 30th in the league last year in average rushing yards allowed. This addition to a defensive line that includes youngsters Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Marcus Davenport could see the Detroit defense pack a bigger punch.
The reader’s journey back to full strength is not about getting ready to play in the season’s first game; he knows he must be fully prepared for when it counts the most—the postseason. He projects his mind on working towards his conditioning and how to be in sync with the rest of the team, but his mental focus has been on how he can help the Lions all season and into January and February.
And for those who may not know his story, Reader’s road to recovery has been a long one. Previously, he has compared his situation now to the one he sustained in 2020. At that time, he returned to play in Week 1 and while it took some time, he got some legs under him. Now, he’s making sure he takes things a little more cautiously to be at his best when it matters most.
Detroit Lions: A Bright Future Ahead
And with the Detroit Lions looking ahead to their September 8 showdown with the Rams, there’s strong hope that Reader will be just that difference-maker. His ability to turn the tide against opponents’ offenses and give that lift to the defensive line might be one of the main determinants for the Detroit Lions this season. Fans are excited, and the team is excited about his potential impact.
The return of D.J. Reader is much more than a personal win; it is a positive development towards the good fortune of the Detroit Lions organization. Now, as the season rolls on, his eyes and many others will be awaiting how he readmits himself to that team to get them championship-dreaming once more. For now, though, Lions fans should just be happy with this news and look ahead to what should be an exciting football season.
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