Detroit Lions planning for Week 2 return for DT D.J. Reader, not ruling out season opener
D.J. Reader won't start the season on the physically unable to perform list, but that doesn't mean he'll be on the field for the Detroit Lions' season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
Lions coach Dan Campbell kept the door open for Reader to make his Lions debut next week at Ford Field, but said Monday the team has long been targeting a Week 2 return for its big defensive tackle.
"I would love to say we’re targeting (Week 1)," Campbell said. "We’re just going to take it as it comes. We’d always said long-term that we were kind of shooting for Tampa, but our eyes are open and we’re going to pay close attention and see how he does, how he feels and kind of go from there, if it’s sooner."
The Lions are in a good spot health-wise as they close training camp and turn their focus to the regular season.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring), tight end Sam LaPorta (hamstring), guard Kevin Zeitler (shoulder), linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (hand) and cornerbacks Terrion Arnold (chest), Carlton Davis III (hamstring) and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. returned to practice Sunday after missing time late in camp with injuries.
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Reader also practiced for the first time after passing his physical and coming off the PUP list.
Reader, who took part in walk-through and individual drills Sunday, missed all of training camp while rehabbing from the torn quad tendon he suffered last December with the Cincinnati Bengals.
"He is a big man," Campbell said. "He and Mac (Alim McNeill) over there together, Mac’s going to need to do more squats to keep up with Reader. Anyway, it’s a good-looking crew and it’s good to have all our guys working together."
Reader, 30, is considered one of the best run-stopping defensive tackles in the NFL and joins a Lions team that finished second in the NFL in rush defense last season at 88.8 yards per game.
Once healthy, he's expected to start on a line that also includes Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill and Marcus Davenport.
The Lions open the regular season Sept. 8 against the Rams, and host the Bucs a week later. Both games are playoff rematches from last season.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions aiming for Week 2 return for D.J. Reader, opener still possible
