The Detroit Lions opened 2025 with multiple players on injury lists, then saw a few more starters end up on injured reserve early in the season. But over the last few weeks, several of these injured players have
gotten healthy, and the Lions have begun returning them to practice. On Wednesday, the Lions started the injury evaluation clocks on two more of those players: CB D.J. Reed and EDGE Marcus Davenport.
Reed has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns and has been on injured reserve since. The Lions’ top cornerback was having a solid start to the season, and his return could come just in time, seeing as CB2—Terrion Arnold—is currently in concussion protocol. That said, it’s worth noting that coach Dan Campbell estimated last week that Reed may not return until early December.
“I don’t know if I can give you that timeline. There again, I’d say early December. Somewhere in there. But he’s looking good, he’s getting better and better,” Campbell said.
It’s unclear how much time Reed is going to need before returning to the game day lineup, but his return to practice is obviously a positive sign.
As for Davenport, he’s been out since suffering a chest injury in Week 2. The Lions’ starting defensive end has had a frustrating few years as he’s battled through injury. But Lions coaches have praised his fit in their defense.
“He’s a pretty smooth athlete for a big man,” Campbell said back in training camp. “Played the nose, played the three, played the big end. He is, he’s versatile, and that’s why he just keeps competing to stay on rosters because it’s hard to ignore a guy like him. He just, he does so many different jobs.”
Both players will now start a 21-day evaluation period. At any point during that window, either player can be activated to the 53-man roster and be eligible to play. If they are not activated by the end of three weeks, the team must decide to put them on the 53-man roster or shut them down for the season.
