Detroit Lions activate 2 DBs from IR vs. Giants, add practice squad TE

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The Detroit Lions announced on Saturday that they have activated cornerbacks D.J. Reed and Khalil Dorsey from injured reserve, and both have had their questionable injury statuses removed. That means both are

set to play in Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. The Lions have now used three of their eight IR-to-return spots, Daniel Thomas being the other.

In order to make room for both players, the Lions announced they have released. linebacker Ty Summers and defensive back Erick Hallett.

The return of Reed is a big deal for the Lions. The defense’s top corner, Reed, has missed six games after suffering a hamstring injury in the team’s Week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns. In just four starts for Detroit, Reed had tallied four passes defended, an interception, and 16 tackles for the Lions. And while the Lions secondary has played well in his absence, Reed is undoubtedly the most talented corner on the team—hence why the Lions signed him to a three-year, $48 million deal this offseason.

Dorsey returns after suffering a wrist injury earlier in the year. He will be a key special teamer on the squad, as he typically takes the important gunner role on punt coverage and has a role on several other special teams units.

Finally, the Lions also announced they have elevated tight end Anthony Firkser from the practice squad. Firkser was signed to the Lions’ practice squad just over a week ago in the wake of Sam LaPorta’s season-ending back injury. Firsker spent a couple of months with the team back in 2023, and on Friday, coach Dan Campbell mentioned him among the options to help replace LaPorta’s production for the rest of the year.

“We’ve still got Brock (Wright) and there’s things he can do,” Campbell said. “We’ve got Ross Dwelley, we’ve got (Dan Skipper) Skip. There’s a good chance we may bring Firk this week, Firkser. And so, we’ve got some versatility.”

So to recap:

Activated from IR: