ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions may soon be getting back a couple of starting players on the defensive side.
Cornerback D.J. Reed (hamstring) and defensive end Marcus Davenport (chest) had their 21-day practice windows opened Wednesday. The Lions now have three weeks to activate them to the active roster.
Head coach Dan Campbell previously estimated Reed, who went down in a Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns, could return to the field in early December, so this latest development tracks with that timeline.
“I’m a gamer, so I’m ready,” Reed said Wednesday. “But that’s not my call. Obviously, they’re gonna be smart about it. If you ask me, I’m ready to play.”
Campbell hasn’t been as concrete with his updates about Davenport, but he did say he expected the veteran back before season’s end. Davenport said Wednesday he’s “very excited” to be practicing again.
“It’s great to finally be back,” said Davenport, who got hurt against the Chicago Bears in Week 2.
Detroit’s defense has held up well in the absences of Reed and Davenport, but their returns would would suddenly make the Lions even deeper. On the outside, it’s been Amik Robertson filling Reed’s place. At defensive end, Tyler Lacy has seen an uptick in snaps, especially on early downs.
#### Practice attendance
Seven Lions did not participate in Wednesday’s practice: Offensive tackle Penei Sewell (ankle), running back Sione Vaki (ankle), tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (ankle), defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (elbow), cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion) and safety Kerby Joseph (knee).
Wright and Vaki were working off to the side.
Hutchinson said he is “not at all” worried about his availability for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sewell got rolled up on during last week’s game against the Washington Commanders, though he returned to the field and finished the outing. Arnold is in concussion protocol, and Joseph continues to be hampered by a knee injury that’s sidelined him for three consecutive games.
Those listed as limited participants at Wednesday’s session include Davenport, Reed, running back Jacob Saylors (back), offensive linemen Taylor Decker (shoulder), Graham Glasgow (back), Miles Frazier (knee) and defensive linemen Josh Paschal (back) and Pat O’Connor (knee).
Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (knee) was a full participant, as he trends toward making his season debut versus the Eagles.