Lions injury updates: DJ Reader’s return to the field timetable explained, multiple injured Lions return to practice.
In the final week of training camp, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell disclosed that several key players who were dealing with injuries were expected to return to practice this week and on Monday, he confirmed a long list of players returning to practice. Additionally, Campbell also revealed the long-anticipated timeline for DJ Reader’s return to game action.
“Everybody was out there that we talked about, that I mentioned,” Campbell explained. “Man, it was good to have them out there, too. We got them out. It was about an hour. We let them compete against each other, a couple of team periods, (and) individuals. So guys can get worked in. It was just kinda pushing our heart rate a little bit.
“But it was good. Just to see [Sam] LaPorta out there part of the flow, and [Jahmyr] Gibbs. [Malcolm Rodriguez] Rodrigo’s worked in. [Kevin] Zeitler’s out there, and Reader. It’s our first—even though it’s a walkthrough and indi(viduals)—just to have him out there. He is a big man. He’s a big man. He and [Alim McNeill] Mac over there together. Mac’s going to need to do more squats.”
But the list didn’t stop there, as Campbell listed even more players returning, including multiple starters in the Lions’ newly reformed secondary.
“It’s a good-looking crew, and it’s good to have all of our guys working together,” Campbell continued. “[Terrion] Arnold was back out there, CD [Carlton Davis], Ennis Rake[straw]. So it feels good.”
When asked to elaborate more on Reader’s timeline to return to the field, Cambell noted that the current target goal was Week 2 of the regular season, but he was keeping his options open.
“I would love to say we’re targeting that (Week 1). We’re just going to take it as it comes,” Campbell said of Reader. “We’d always said, long term, that we were kinda shooting for (Week 2 vs.) Tampa [Bay]. Look, our eyes are open, and we’re going to pay close attention and see how he does, how he feels, and kinda go from there if it’s sooner.”
In addition to players returning to practice, it was also reported by ESPN that the Lions would be placing Emmanuel Moseley on injured reserve/return, as well as keeping rookie Christian Mahogany on the NFI list . Both players must sit out at least the first four weeks of the regular season and are eligible to return at any time after that. These moves were both anticipated.
Summary
Returned to practice on Sunday:
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs
- TE Sam LaPorta
- RG Kevin Zeitler
- NT DJ Reader – target goal is to return in Week 2
- LB Malcolm Rodriguez
- CB Carlton Davis
- CB Terrion Arnold
- CB Ennis Rakestraw
Confirmed will be placed on a reserve list
- CB Emmanuel Moseley — IR
- G Christian Mahogany — NFI