Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed summed up his emotions in one word after returning to practice: “grateful.”
Reed, a veteran defender, was activated for practice on Wednesday following a five-week stint on injured reserve. He had been sidelined since October 1, when he injured his hamstring during a home matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Before leaving that game, Reed was putting together one of his best performances of the season — recording four tackles, breaking up three passes, and grabbing an interception before trainers helped him off the field.
“Just gratitude,” Reed said when asked about being back on the field. “I just thank God. When you’re away from the game, you realize how much it means to you. I’m just thankful to be around my teammates again — so yeah, a lot of gratitude.”
During his recovery, Reed became a spectator, watching from home alongside his wife and children as the Lions managed a 3–2 record in his absence, dropping contests to the Chiefs and Vikings.
Although being away was difficult, Reed says the time off gave him a new perspective on football — and on the resilience of Detroit’s secondary.
The Lions’ defensive backfield has endured its share of injuries this season, forcing players like Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, Nick Whiteside, and Arthur Maulet to take on heavier workloads. Instead of frustration, Reed says he found encouragement in seeing his teammates step up.
“Honestly, I think it’s made us stronger as a unit,” Reed explained. “In this game, injuries are going to happen. Our secondary’s been hit hard this year, but the silver lining is that everyone’s gotten valuable reps. That’s going to pay off down the line.”
Known for his competitiveness, Reed said he feels physically ready to return as early as Sunday night, when the Lions take on the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether he plays, however, is up to the coaching staff.
“I’m a gamer — I’m ready to go,” he said with a smile. “But that’s not my decision. The coaches will be smart about it. Still, if it were up to me, I’d be out there this weekend.”
If Reed does return, it couldn’t come at a better time. The Lions’ defense faces one of its toughest challenges yet in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, two of the league’s most dynamic wide receivers. With Arnold currently in concussion protocol, Reed’s comeback could be crucial against the 7–2 Eagles, who sit atop the NFC.
Looking back on the uncertainty that followed his injury, Reed admitted there was a moment he feared his season might be over.
“I went from thinking my season was done to realizing I have another chance,” Reed reflected. “It was tough, because I felt like I was really finding my rhythm here. Now that I’m back, I’m hungry. I just want to help this team make its push.”
For Reed, it’s about more than just returning to the lineup — it’s about appreciating the opportunity to play the game he loves again.
