DJ Reader is eager to make his Lions' debut on Sunday

Being taken off the PUP list at roster cuts and being able to practice fostered optimism DJ Reader would be able to play in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. But it was not to be, so it's on to Week 2 (the apparent target date for him to play all along) with the easy expectation the big defensive tackle will suit up for his Lions' debut on Sunday.

On Wednesday, after he was a full participant in practice, Reader detailed his rehab from the torn right quad tendon he suffered last December playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. He could not bend his leg for the first six weeks of rehab. He previously revealed he had a small setback in his rehab that led to a cleanup procedure on his right knee back in June.

But now, Reader is ready to go for Sunday against Tampa Bay.

DJ Reader is plenty ready to make his Lions' debut

Reader was asked if he felt like he's "ready to roll on Sunday."

"Yeah, I feel good. I feel good. I'm excited about where I'm at. I'm excited just to get out there with the guys,"

Via SI.com, Reader said he felt like he could have played last week. But the easy assumption he'd play limited snaps if he did suit up, since he missed all of training camp and didn't have a lot of practice reps, ultimately wasn't ideal.

"I felt good. Felt like I could've played, just didn't have any football reps," Reader said. "I didn't get to go through that whole camp process where I'm actually leaning against people and it'd be an injustice to the defense if I go out there and can only play 10, 15 plays. I want to be able to play a good amount of plays and actually contribute. So that was really it."

The Lions played well up front against the Rams, pressuring Matthew Stafford 27 times (according to Pro Football Focus) and holding Los Angeles' ground game in-check. Adding Reader to the mix this week will only help, and he seems to be plenty ready to suit up for his team debut (as expected).