By Moses Joshua 
Marcus Davenport and DJ Reed return to practice as Detroit eyes a midseason defensive surge.
The Detroit Lions received a major boost to their defense on Wednesday as edge rusher Marcus Davenport and cornerback DJ Reed both returned to the practice field, marking the start of their 21-day return window. The timing couldn’t be better — Detroit is gearing up for a crucial stretch of the season, and depth on defense has been sorely tested.
A Welcome Sight: Reed Returns to the Field
Reed, who’s been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns, was spotted going through drills during Wednesday’s session. His activation window means he could be back in game action around or just after Thanksgiving — slightly earlier than head coach Dan Campbell initially anticipated.
“Reed is doing well. I don’t know if I can give you that timeline there,” Campbell said last week. “Again, I’d say early December, somewhere in there. But he’s looking good, getting better and better.”
Before his injury, Reed had been one of Detroit’s most consistent defensive backs. In four games, he recorded 16 tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery, while allowing just 11 receptions on 18 targets and no touchdowns in coverage. His 61.3 passer rating allowed ranks among the top 10 corners in the NFL, and Pro Football Focus has him graded as the fourth-best run defender at his position — a trait Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn value highly.
With Terrion Arnold still in concussion protocol, Detroit will likely rely on Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin again when they face the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend. But Reed’s return is a major sign of stability for a unit that’s been holding its own despite a rash of injuries.
Davenport Nears Long-Awaited Return
As for Marcus Davenport, his return to drills is another encouraging sign for Detroit’s defensive front. The veteran pass rusher has been out since Week 2 with a pectoral injury, leaving Aidan Hutchinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Tyler Lacy to pick up the slack.
Campbell has remained confident throughout the process, expressing unwavering belief that Davenport would make it back to action this season.
“I am just very confident he is going to be back,” Campbell said after the team’s bye week. “We’re going to get him back here.”
Detroit’s defense has managed impressively without him, currently ranking fourth in the league with 30 sacks through nine games. Hutchinson leads the NFL with 57 pressures, while Muhammad has enjoyed a breakout campaign with 32 pressures of his own. Still, Davenport’s combination of size and strength would add another dangerous weapon to Detroit’s pass-rushing rotation — especially important as the season’s wear and tear sets in.
Injury Updates and Depth Concerns
The Lions were still without several key players at Wednesday’s practice, including safety Kerby Joseph (knee), cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion protocol), right tackle Penei Sewell, tight end Brock Wright, and running back Sione Vaki.
Sewell briefly exited Sunday’s win over Washington but returned and downplayed the injury afterward. Meanwhile, both Vaki and Wright were spotted working on the sidelines with trainers, as Detroit recently added veteran tight end Anthony Firkser to its practice squad — a possible precaution in case Wright’s absence lingers.
Looking Ahead: Defensive Reinforcements Arrive Just in Time
With Detroit sitting atop the NFC North at 6-3, the timing of these returns couldn’t be more critical. The Lions’ defense has weathered adversity admirably, but the late-season grind demands reinforcements — and that’s exactly what Davenport and Reed bring.
If both can stay healthy, Detroit could find itself fielding one of the most complete defensive units in the NFC, just as the playoff race begins to heat up.
The Lions’ next challenge comes Sunday night in Philadelphia — a test that may reveal just how close this defense is to full strength again.