Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader could play Week 1 vs. Rams

After he missed all of training camp working his way back from a torn quad tendon, the Detroit Lions took defensive tackle DJ Reader off the PUP list before roster cuts. Head coach Dan Campbell later said Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been the target date for Reader's debut all along, but Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams had not been ruled out.

On Wednesday, Campbell had another update on Reader when asked if there's a chance he'll play on Sunday night.

"There’s a chance. This week was really what we had circled to get him the bulk of true football," Campbell said. "This was his first, real padded, going against, not just individual and doing some walkthrough, man he’s in team. We had him do some team defense, but also run scout team too, going against Frank, Graham and Zeitler and just get his confidence up and bang away in there and really take it day to day. So yes, there’s still a chance. I’ll know more after tomorrow than I do right now. He’s doing well.” 

Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader may play vs. Rams

The Lions signed Reader to a two-year, $22 million deal in March, knowing he was rehabbing the torn right quad tendon he suffered playing for the Cincinnati Bengals last December. He has been one of the best nose tackles in the league, with an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 79.5 or higher in four of the last five seasons.

If Reader can't go on Sunday night, the easiest way for the Lions to replace him would be to elevate veteran Kyle Peko from the practice squad. Even if Reader is able to play, it's fair to assume he'll be on some kind of snap count. The Lions' other nose tackle option, second-year man Brodric Martin, is on IR due to a knee injury and will miss the first four games of the season. So Peko may be suiting up against the Rams no matter what.

In any case, it's good news that there's even a chance Reader will play in the season opener. The rest of the practice week will determine if he does.