Lions running back Craig Reynolds returns to practice, starts return window

The Detroit Lions got another player back in the fold on Thursday, as running back Craig Reynolds returned to practice.

On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions welcomed wide receiver Quintez Cephus back to practice as he takes the last step to possibly return from a stint on IR. On Thursday running back Craig Reynolds was back at practice, starting his own 21-day window to be put on the active roster.

Reynolds was placed on IR after the Lions Week 9 win over the Green Bay Packers, after exiting that game with a rib injury. So his stint on IR has already been the minimum four games, and he could theoretically be activated and play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. It’s not likely, but it could happen.

In eight games this season, Reynolds has 23 carries for 102 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and nine receptions for 116 yards. Justin Jackson stepped in as the Lions’ No. 3 running back, with 22 carries for 115 yards (66 yards in one game) and seven catches for 59 yards over the last five games.

Reynolds’ highest snap shares this season, 32 percent in Week 4 against the Seahawks, 47 percent in Week 5 against the Patriots and 34 percent in Week 7 against the Cowboys, naturally came in the three games D’Andre Swift missed.

Lions don’t have to rush Craig Reynolds back

The Lions have generally have had players to about two weeks into their three-week window to be activated before they add them back to the active roster. Reynolds will not have to be rushed back into action anyway, with Jamaal Williams, Swift and Jackson holding down the top three spots on the running back depth chart.

When called upon to be the Lions’ lead back for a couple games late last season, Reynolds stepped up with a total of 195 yards on 37 carries against the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals. So he’s plenty capable, it’s just his role won’t be robust as long as everyone is healthy in the Lions’ running back room.