DJ Reader returning to active roster on Detroit Lions

DJ Reader is back on the active roster in Detroit after an offseason working back from a torn quad suffered while in Cincinnati. (Photo: Mark Rebilas / USATODAY)

by TigerNet Staff - Sun Aug 25 15:46:58 GMT-05:00 2024

One prominent former Clemson defender is ready for his return to the field.

The Detroit Lions announced on Sunday that D.J. Reader passed his physical to be removed from the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP) and make his active roster debut.

Reader suffered a torn quad late last season with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he was regarded as one of the top defensive free agents. PFF tabbed Reader as one of five defensive tackles with Top 15 grades in run defense and pass rush last year.

The Lions begin their season hosting the LA Rams on Sept. 8 (8:20 p.m. EDT).

Reader joined the Detroit Lions for a two-year deal this offseason, which is worth up to $27.25 million.

Over four seasons in Cincinnati, he logged 123 combo tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks with 20 QB hits and three fumble recoveries.

He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft. With Houston, he tallied 277 combo tackles, 9.5 sacks, 23 TFLs, 44 QB hits, and three fumble recoveries.

Reader had a brief two-sport stint in Clemson, also seeing some baseball action. Reader was named a permanent team co-captain after the Tigers' 2015 Playoff run, finishing that campaign with 35 tackles and three quarterback pressures in 259 snaps over nine games (six starts).

He finished his Clemson career with 145 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and 24 quarterback pressures in 1,087 snaps over 46 games (10 starts).