Lions watching D.J. Reader closely to determine readiness for Week 1

The preseason is in the books and the 2024 regular season is less than two weeks away.

While that still leaves some big decisions for the Detroit Lions, with the roster cutdown deadline on Tuesday, it also offers more time for the team to get healthy ahead of the season-opener.

On Sunday, the Lions officially activated defensive tackle D.J. Reader from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list . The offseason addition has been sidelined since signing with Detroit as he recovered from a torn quadriceps he suffered last year.

Does that mean he'll be ready for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1?

“Yeah, it’s tough to say," head coach Dan Campbell said Monday. "I would love to say we’re targeting that; We’re just gonna take it as it comes.”

Related: Lions roster preview: Complete defensive outlook

Pairing Reader with Alim McNeill on the interior of the defensive line, with Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport on the outside, should give the Lions one of the best D-lines in the entire league. However, the Lions are being smart and don't plan to rush the veteran into action.

Campbell said the club has been aiming for Reader's team debut against Tampa Bay in Week 2 for quite awhile but they're not yet ruling him out of the opener.

“Our eyes are open and we’re gonna pay close attention and see how he does, how he feels and kinda go from there if it’s sooner,” Campbell said.

That being said, the head coach noted it was good to see Reader, and many of the other guys who've been battling injuries in recent weeks, back on the field on Sunday. That list included Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibs, Malcolm Rodriguez, Kevin Zeitler, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Other notes from Campbell's presser on Monday

• With rosters having to be cut to 53 by 4 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, Campbell expressed his appreciation for the guys who competed for a spot all summer. "Tough 48 hours coming up but really appreciate these guys," Campbell said, noting that many fought through minor injuries and tough circumstances but gave it their all.
• On the cuts, Campbell said there are still decisions that he and general manager Brad Holmes are struggling with by said they are on the same page and aren't at odds with anything.
• It still seems that the Lions will keep three quarterbacks, with Nate Sudfeld the likely QB2 over Hendon Hooker. Campbell was also complimentary of Jake Fromm, who could be a practice squad target, and noted that he's comfortable enough at the spot, despite some struggles this preseason. He also seemed to insinuate that if Goff were to go down, one backup (likely Sudfeld) could finish out the game but the other could start the next week, so the QB2 title is a bit dependent on the situation.
• On wide receivers: Expect the Lions to look around for possible additions, either via trade or waivers, in the next 48 hours. Campbell said he likes the size Daurice Fountain and Donovan Peoples-Jones provide and Isaiah Williams has shown out all camp but is more of a slot guy. Ideally, Campbell said they'd like to keep a little of everything but, if not, that won't impact the offensive scheme at all.