The Detroit Lions announced Sunday afternoon that veteran defensive lineman DJ Reader has been removed from the PUP list after successfully passing the fitness test.

Dan Campbell indicated that the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle would likely begin individual workouts the week that teams reduce their rosters to 53 players.

In 2023, Reader was in the final season of a four-year, $53 million contract he signed with the Bengals before the 2020 season. He reportedly had the opportunity to sign another long-term deal, but the serious injury ended his 2023 season prematurely.

After tearing his quadriceps muscle for the second time, Reader suffered a minor setback last June and had to undergo an evaluation of his right knee. As a reminder, he had previously torn his left quadriceps muscle during the 2020 season.

Players like Brodric Martin, from whom the team hopes to further develop in 2024, are looking forward to Reader’s return to the game.

“It’s like having another coach that’s doing this right now. He’s been doing this for a long time. Who’s done this at a high level,” Martin told Lions On SI after the season finale. “Basically, it’s just having him out there and helping him, grilling him on how he would play certain blocks and stuff like that. It’s definitely, definitely good to have him out there.”

Further reading

1.) James Houston and Mekhi Wingo among the Lions with the highest PFF rating against the Steelers

2.) NFL writer leaves James Houston out of final Lions squad forecast

3.) What they say: How Hendon Hooker grew during training camp