The Detroit Lions are riding high at 3-1, their best start in years, and the buzz around Detroit is undeniable. That early loss to the Green Bay Packers already feels like a distant memory, as fans and players alike turn their attention toward Week 5’s showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, October 5. With Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow out of action, Detroit enters as the favorite—but nothing is ever handed to you in the NFL.
While the Bengals are reeling without their star QB, the Lions aren’t completely at full strength either. Last season’s campaign was marred by a laundry list of defensive injuries, and though this year has been kinder, the team still took a major blow this week.
Reed Hits Injured Reserve
On Wednesday, October 1, the Lions confirmed that cornerback D.J. Reed has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury. The move means he’ll miss at least the next four games, a significant loss for Detroit’s secondary.
The announcement came in the middle of a busy day of roster shuffling. The Lions promoted safety Loren Strickland and linebacker Ty Summers to the active roster while adding cornerbacks Tre Flowers and Nick Whiteside to the practice squad. It’s clear the front office is wasting no time reinforcing depth as they prepare for a physical battle with Cincinnati.
Though Reed didn’t participate in practice this week, he was spotted in the locker room without a brace or protective boot. According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, surgery won’t be necessary, but Reed himself admitted he “strained it pretty badly” and anticipated being placed on IR. “We don’t have a timetable,” Reed explained. “It’s just about rehab and getting back when I’m ready.”
National Respect Rolling In
Even with injuries, Detroit is gaining respect across the NFL. In the latest NFL power rankings, released Tuesday, September 30, by Eric Edholm of NFL.com, the Lions climbed to No. 3 overall. That placement underscores how far this franchise has come.
Edholm pointed out that while Detroit’s offense wasn’t explosive against Cleveland, neither has anyone else’s been this season. Still, he noted the need for cleaner execution, particularly after committing five offensive penalties in Week 4. Chemistry between Jared Goff and Jameson Williams is also still a work in progress, but the pieces are clearly there.
Eyes on the Bye
With three games left before their Week 8 bye, the Lions have an opportunity to build momentum while healing up. Reed’s absence stings, but Detroit has shown resilience before. If they continue to stack wins, they’ll enter the second half of the season as legitimate contenders.
