By Sunday 
Detroit’s Momentum Meets a Roadblock
The Detroit Lions have been roaring through the early part of the season, but a devastating injury blow has shaken the optimism in Detroit. One of their cornerstone starters, a player with a $48 million contract, has been placed on the injured reserve list and will be sidelined for at least four weeks.
The Man Behind the Blow
That player is cornerback D.J. Reed, who went down with a hamstring injury during last Sunday’s clash against the Cleveland Browns. Initially fearing the worst, Reed admitted, “I thought I tore a hamstring off the bone… I thought it was a wrap,” before learning surgery wouldn’t be required.
What the Lions Lose Without Reed
Reed’s absence is no small matter. The veteran defensive back had already stacked up 16 tackles, four pass breakups, one interception, and a fumble recovery in just four games. Losing that kind of production — and experience — throws the Lions’ secondary into dangerous territory, especially with fellow corner Terrion Arnold also battling through a shoulder issue.
Detroit Adjusts — But Can They Survive?
To plug the gap, Detroit quickly shuffled the roster, elevating Loren Strickland and Ty Summers from the practice squad, while also bringing in Tre Flowers and Nick Whiteside. It’s a scramble to patch the holes, but make no mistake — the Lions’ defense just lost one of its most reliable pieces at a critical time in the season.
What’s Next?
The good news is Reed won’t need surgery, but four weeks without their big-money corner could test Detroit’s ability to keep pace in the NFC. For now, the Lions — and their fans — will be holding their breath that Reed’s recovery is smooth, and that the defense can hold the line.