By Blessing 
When Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed stepped back onto the practice field this week, he had just one word to describe the feeling — “grateful.”
Reed returned to practice on Wednesday after spending over a month on injured reserve. The veteran defender had gone down with a hamstring injury on October 1 during a home game against the Cleveland Browns — right in the middle of what was shaping up to be his best performance of the season. Before being helped off the field by trainers, Reed had already recorded four tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception.
“Just gratitude,” Reed told reporters about being back. “I just thank God. When I was out there, man, you just can’t take this game for granted. I’m just happy to be back with the guys — just happy, a lot of gratitude.”
His recovery forced him to trade the sidelines for his couch. From home, Reed watched alongside his wife and kids as the Lions battled through five games without him, going 3-2 during that stretch. Though he wanted nothing more than to be out there competing, the time away gave him a new appreciation for both the game and his teammates.
The Lions’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries this season. Reed watched as players like Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, Nick Whiteside, and Arthur Maulet stepped up and gained valuable experience — something that made him proud.
“I feel like overall it makes our team better,” Reed said. “In football, guys are going to get hurt. Just look at this year — our secondary has been banged up. But I definitely feel like it’s made the whole group stronger.”
Now that he’s back on the field, the question is how soon he’ll suit up again. Reed, who prides himself on his competitiveness, said he’s ready to go as early as Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, though he knows that decision isn’t up to him.
“I’m a gamer, so I’m ready, but that’s not my call,” Reed said. “Obviously, they’re going to be smart about it. But if you ask me, I’m ready to play. That’s just my mindset.”
The Eagles’ high-powered receiver duo — DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown — is one of the toughest matchups in the league. With fellow corner Arnold still in concussion protocol, Reed’s return couldn’t come at a better time.
“I went from thinking, dang, my season’s over. This is unfortunate because I felt like I was getting into a groove,” he admitted. “Now
When Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed stepped back onto the practice field this week, he had just one word to describe the feeling — “grateful.”
Reed returned to practice on Wednesday after spending over a month on injured reserve. The veteran defender had gone down with a hamstring injury on October 1 during a home game against the Cleveland Browns — right in the middle of what was shaping up to be his best performance of the season. Before being helped off the field by trainers, Reed had already recorded four tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception.
“Just gratitude,” Reed told reporters about being back. “I just thank God. When I was out there, man, you just can’t take this game for granted. I’m just happy to be back with the guys — just happy, a lot of gratitude.”
His recovery forced him to trade the sidelines for his couch. From home, Reed watched alongside his wife and kids as the Lions battled through five games without him, going 3-2 during that stretch. Though he wanted nothing more than to be out there competing, the time away gave him a new appreciation for both the game and his teammates.
The Lions’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries this season. Reed watched as players like Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, Nick Whiteside, and Arthur Maulet stepped up and gained valuable experience — something that made him proud.
“I feel like overall it makes our team better,” Reed said. “In football, guys are going to get hurt. Just look at this year — our secondary has been banged up. But I definitely feel like it’s made the whole group stronger.”
Now that he’s back on the field, the question is how soon he’ll suit up again. Reed, who prides himself on his competitiveness, said he’s ready to go as early as Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, though he knows that decision isn’t up to him.
“I’m a gamer, so I’m ready, but that’s not my call,” Reed said. “Obviously, they’re going to be smart about it. But if you ask me, I’m ready to play. That’s just my mindset.”
The Eagles’ high-powered receiver duo — DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown — is one of the toughest matchups in the league. With fellow corner Arnold still in concussion protocol, Reed’s return couldn’t come at a better time.
“I went from thinking, dang, my season’s over. This is unfortunate because I felt like I was getting into a groove,” he admitted. “Now I’m back, and I’m hungry. I’m ready to help this team make that push.”
I’m back, and I’m hungry. I’m ready to help this team make that push.”