Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader casts some doubt on his status for Week 1

The Detroit Lions literally did not let DJ Reader leave their building without signing him back in March, but they also knew what they were getting into. A torn right quad tendon late last season with the Cincinnati Bengals left him available deep into the first week of free agency when he otherwise would have been signed quickly.

Reader of course did not practice during OTAs, and he is still on the PUP list as training camp gets rolling. But signs point to him being ready to practice at some point soon as the Lions put on pads at training camp this week. Caution is still the word with anyone who's recovering from an injury right now though, let alone a significant one like Reader had. He simply has to get strength back in that injured leg, but he told Kyle Meinke of MLive he feels good.

"I feel great,” Reader said. “Out there just working, feeling good. Just trying to get some strength back. Feeling good. It’s the process with rehab nowadays. Been through it before. You’ve got your days where you feel great, and some days it’s not as good. But it’s been good. Been on the up and up, and haven’t had any setbacks.”

DJ Reader casts doubt on his availability for Week 1?

In apparent response to an inquiry from Meinke about if he'll be able to play in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Reader was brief but also non-committal.

"I don’t know about that,” Reader said. “Just working hard. We’ll see.”

The Lions' Sunday night season opener against the Rams is just shy of six weeks away (Sept. 8). If Reader is unable to play, even if it's a lighter snap load than he'll be able to later in the season, it would be a surprise. But it's also expected, and probably smart, for Reader not to readily declare anything about his Week 1 availability right now. If it's a month from now and he hasn't done much in practice, or he's had a setback, then the concern level will go way up.