Just before the start of the new NFL season, the Detroit Lions have activated star defensive lineman DJ Reader from the Active/PUP list. Reader was on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list after tearing his quadriceps tendon in Week 15 of last season.

Reader spent the last four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and developed into a dominant presence on their defensive line. When Reader was on the field, the Bengals’ run defense became one of the strongest in the league.

However, his time with Cincinnati was marred by injuries. In his first season with the Bengals, he missed several games after suffering a hamstring injury.

Reader helped the Bengals reach the Super Bowl in 2021, showing his dominance on defense along the way, recording 43 tackles and two sacks for Cincinnati.

Before his season-ending injury last season, Reader recorded 34 total tackles and one sack. His injury history and slightly older age made the Bengals hesitant to re-sign him, which ultimately allowed the Lions to snap him up.

Reader’s stats aren’t amazing, but his presence alone makes him an asset. Opposing offenses regularly double-mark him and his large frame makes it difficult for other teams to run the football.

Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was a fan of Reader and was sad to see him go. He spoke about the sheer impact the former Clemson product has on a defense.

“You can’t look at DJ Reader at that position and say, ‘Let’s look at his numbers.’ Even though he has good numbers for that position, he’s just dominant when it comes to taking blocks, accepting double coverage and not letting them move. And that allows other players to make plays, and when you don’t have that, it creates other problems.”

Now in Detroit, Reader will look to lead another young team to the Super Bowl. The Lions are expected to be one of the better teams in the NFL this season and Reader only helps bolster an already strong defense.

His status for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams is still uncertain, but Reader will have a few weeks of practice to improve. If he can get it done, Detroit could be cautious with his snap count to begin with. But for now, this activation is incredible news for the Lions just before the season begins.

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