DJ Reader is activated from the PUP list ahead of roster cutdowns

One of the mysteries of the Detroit Lions’ 53-man roster construction was solved on Sunday. The Lions announced that veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader has been activated from the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list.

Reader joins the active roster now that he’s cleared his physical. The 30-year-old nose tackle has been sidelined all offseason as he recovers from a torn quadriceps suffered in 2023 while Reader was playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.

No. 98 was out at practice on Wednesday and working with trainers to try and get ready for the regular season. Reader is expected to start next to Alim McNeill on the defensive interior.

Now that the Lions have activated Reader, he is no longer eligible to stay on the PUP list and miss the first four games. That will take up a roster spot on the 53-man squad, which is due to be finalized by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.