It’s sounding more and more likely that the Detroit Lions will have their No. 1 cornerback returning for this week’s game against the New York Giants. Lions coach Dan Campbell noted that the he was optimistic D.J. Reed could be ready to play.
“I’m hopeful, but I think a lot of it’s going to be determined by tomorrow—like these full-speed practices tomorrow and then Friday,” Campbell said. “He looked pretty good last week, so we’ll see.”
Reed has been on injured reserve since suffering a serious-looking hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. Thankfully, the injury didn’t require surgery. He returned to practice last week, and told the media shortly thereafter that he was already feeling ready to play.
“I’m a gamer, so I’m ready,” Reed said. “But that’s not my call. Obviously, they’re going to be smart about it. But if you ask me, I’m ready to play. That’s my mindset.”
With Reed near a return and Terrion Arnold making some progress through the concussion protocol, the Lions may soon have their cornerback room fully intact. In the meantime, they’ve gotten very strong play from reserves Rock Ya-Sin and Amik Robertson. Campbell made sure to credit those players for stepping up, and noting that Robertson’s role will not go away completely when Reed and Arnold return.
“Look, Rock’s played pretty good, too, now. Rock’s played good, Amik’s held his own out there, done a great job. Both of those guy. To that point, those things don’t go unnoticed. We know Amik’s playing well.
“So if we’re able to get Reed going this week, we want to get him in the game or we wouldn’t bring him and use him. But we foresee using all of those guys. We’re not just going to go away from Amik. There’ll be a role for him one way or another.”
Arnold’s status is still more up in the air. While the Lions didn’t practice on Wednesday, he was estimated to be a non-participant as he continues to progress through a concussion that was suffered in Week 10 against the Commanders.
“Arnold’s still kinda day-to-day here. So, we’ll see,” Campbell said.
The news is better for safety Brian Branch, who was also listed as “no practice” for Wednesday. Campbell doesn’t foresee that being an issue this week.
“I feel okay. Branch, I think we’re going to be okay,” Campbell said. Adding later, “But I feel good about Branch, a lot better.”
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