D.J. Reader may participate in the game against the Rams on Sunday

D.J. Reader is set to make his first appearance with the Detroit Lions this Sunday in their game against the Los Angeles Rams. Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed on Wednesday that Reader has engaged adequately in practice throughout the past week, suggesting that he could play in the season opener at Ford Field. After being sidelined for the entire training camp due to recovery from a torn quad tendon, Campbell had earlier indicated that the team was targeting Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Reader's comeback.

"There’s a chance (he plays this week)," Campbell said. "I would say this week was really what we had circled to give him the bulk of true football. Like this was his first real padded (practice), going against not just individual and doing some walk-through, like, man, he’s in team. We had him do some team defense but also run scout team, too."

This week, Reader participated in scout-team practices, allowing him to compete against the Lions' starting interior offensive line, which includes center Frank Ragnow and guards Graham Glasgow and Kevin Zeitler. According to Campbell, the objective was to "boost his confidence, engage in physical play, and approach each day with a fresh mindset." Recognized as one of the premier run-stopping defensive tackles in the league, Reader is anticipated to play a significant role in the Lions' defensive line this upcoming fall. Last season, he recorded 34 tackles, one sack, and six quarterback pressures over 14 games with the Cincinnati Bengals, and he recently signed a two-year contract worth $22 million with the Lions.

 Campbell stated, "There remains a possibility." He indicated that he would have more information likely after tomorrow than he currently possesses. "He is progressing well." Additionally, Campbell noted that running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta have shown significant improvement in their recovery from hamstring injuries. Gibbs, who was sidelined for two games last year due to a hamstring issue, is expected to participate on Sunday after missing the previous two weeks of training camp. Campbell emphasized that the team has focused on educating him about the necessity of achieving maximum speed during practice to condition his muscles and prevent future injuries.

"When you possess the ability to run at his level—this individual is exceptionally fast—it is crucial to reach that speed during practice at least once or twice daily. Otherwise, you may be unprepared for what occurs on Sunday," Campbell stated. "If you are capable of running at 22 mph, it is essential to experience that speed, as the first time you encounter it in a game, especially when under pressure, can lead to unfortunate outcomes. With extraordinary speed, one can often distance themselves during practice, but if you have not truly activated that speed until the game, it can be problematic. Therefore, the key lies in educating him about this necessity and ensuring he practices it to avoid any setbacks. We are actively addressing this, and he is making progress, which we find encouraging."