ALLEN PARK – When describing to reporters what it feels like to be able to run and move again, Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed had one word: “grateful.”
The veteran defender returned to practice on Wednesday after being on the injured reserve list since October 1st after suffering a hamstring injury during a home game against the Cleveland Browns.
At the time of his injury, Reed was in the midst of his best game this season, logging four tackles, three passes defended, and an interception before medical personnel escorted him off the field.
“Just gratitude,” Reed said, describing his return to practice. “I just thank God. When I was out there, and man, you just can’t take this game for granted. I’m just happy to be back with the guys, and man, just happy -- a lot of gratitude.”
The severity of the injury relegated Reed to spectator status. He tuned in from the comfort of his home with his wife and kids, watching his teammates go 3-2 in his absence, dropping games to the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings, respectively.
While Reed desired to be on the field with his teammates, being sidelined didn’t just provide him a different perspective on the game of football.
Injuries have plagued the Lions’ secondary – especially their cornerbacks – affording players such as Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, Nick Whiteside, and Arthur Maulet extended snaps at cornerback, something that delighted Reed.
“I feel like overall it makes our team better,” Reed explained. “(In) football, guys are going to get hurt. Just look at this year, and our secondary guys have been pretty banged up. So I definitely feel like overall it makes the secondary and the team stronger.”
Being the competitor that he is, when asked how long it would take him to get his legs back up under him to step on the field, the cornerback shared he could suit up as early as Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles if the coaching staff wants him to.
“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’ receiver duo, DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, pose a threat to any secondary and are a key part of the reason the Eagles sit atop the NFC at 7-2.
With Arnold in concussion protocol, Reed’s return to the lineup on Sunday versus the Eagles could be a timely addition for the Lions.
“I went from thinking like, dang, my season’s over with. This is very unfortunate, especially because I felt like I was getting into the groove of playing here,” Reed said. “And now I’m going to be back, my mindset is just I’m really hungry. I’m ready to help this team make that push.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our [User Agreement](https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/user-agreement.html) and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our [Privacy Policy.](https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/privacy-policy.html)