DJ Reader Injury News & Updates

Reader (back) is active for Monday's game against Tampa Bay.

Reader drew the questionable tag for Monday's contest after ending the week with back-to-back limited practices, but the veteran has been cleared to play after going through pregame warmups. Reader has logged nine tackles (four solo) through the first six games of the regular season.

Reader (back) is questionable for Monday's game against the Buccaneers, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Reader appears to have picked up the injury in Detroit's Week 6 loss, though he was able to practice in limited fashion both Friday and Saturday. That seemingly bodes well for his availability Monday night, though his status won't become official shortly before kickoff.

Reader was a limited participant in Friday's practice due to a back injury, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Reader may have picked up the injury during the Lions' Week 6 loss to the Chiefs, which prevented him from participating in Thursday's practice. His ability to return to practice is a sign he is progressing in his recovery, and his participation in Saturday's session will shed light on his chances of playing against the Buccaneers on Monday. Reader has nine tackles (four solo) through the first six games of the regular season.

Reader finished the 2024 season with 23 tackles (11 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and one pass breakup across 15 regular-season games.

After four seasons with the Bengals, Reader signed a two-year, $22 million deal with the Lions last offseason and went on to start all 15 regular-season games in which he appeared. Reader missed Week 1 with a quadriceps injury and then missed Week 14 with a shoulder issue. In total, Reader 508 defensive snaps and remained an effective interior presence on the Lions' defensive line. If on the roster on the third day of the upcoming league year in March, Reader will collect a $4 million roster bonus. The Lions will likely want to make a decision on Reader's standing with the team by then, as he's set to carry a $12.933 million cap number for the 2025 campaign. Reader will turn 31 years old in July.

Reader (shoulder) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bills.

The first-year Lion upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to a full practice session Friday, suggesting that he's moved past his shoulder injury in time to play Sunday. Reader has recorded 18 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, over 11 appearances this season, and he's expected to serve as one of Detroit's top interior defensive linemen in Week 15.

Reader (shoulder) was a limited participant at the Lions' practice Thursday.

Reader was absent from practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury after also missing the team's Week 14 win over the Packers, so his ability to practice Thursday is a step in the right direction for his chances to play Sunday versus the Bills. The defensive lineman will look to increase his participation at the team's final practice of the week Friday.

Reader (shoulder) was a non-participant in Wednesday's week-opening practice session.

Reader missed last Thursday's win over the Packers due to a shoulder injury, and his absence in the Lions' first practice this week casts a cloud over his status for Sunday's matchup versus Buffalo. Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring), who also missed the contest versus Green Bay, was able to log a limited practice Wednesday, and he could be in line for a healthy dose of defensive snaps Sunday if he's able to return to action and Reader has to sit out another game.

Reader (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday night's matchup against the Packers, Ryan Wood of USA Today reports.

Reader was unable to practice all week after likely sustaining a shoulder injury in the Lions' Week 13 win over the Bears, so it's no surprise he won't suit up for Thursday night's divisional matchup. Brodric Martin is expected to serve as one of Detroit's first-team interior defensive linemen in Reader's stead in Week 14.

Reader (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimation, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Reader played 32 defensive snaps and recorded 2.0 sacks in the Lions' Thanksgiving Day win over the Bears. However, it now appears he picked up a shoulder injury in the process. His practice participation Tuesday and Wednesday will likely provide the best indication of whether he can suit up for Detroit's Week 14 divisional matchup against the Packers on Thursday night.

Reader recorded four total tackles (two solo), including 2.0 sacks, in Thursday's 23-20 win over Chicago.

Reader was able to get to the quarterback for the first time since Week 4, bringing down Caleb Williams twice in Week 13. The defensive tackle has now compiled 18 total tackles (10 solo), including 3.0 sacks, over 11 games in 2024.

Reader (illness) was listed as a full practice participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report.

Reader was under the weather Monday which caused him to be listed as a DNP. However, he was able to participate in Tuesday's walkthrough without limitations and should be good to go against the Bears on Thursday. In the seven regular-season games since the Lions' Week 5 bye, Reader has logged 11 tackles (seven solo).

Reader (illness) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimation, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Reader appears to be dealing with an illness following the Lions' Week 12 win over the Colts, and he'll likely need to practice in a limited capacity either Tuesday or Wednesday in order to play in Thursday's divisional matchup against the Bears. If the first-year Lion is unable to do so, Levi Onwuzurike and Mekhi Wingo could see additional work with Detroit's first-team defensive line.

Reader (quadriceps) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Reader was limited in all three practices leading up to Week 1 against the Rams, but he did not end up suiting up for Sunday's game. His full participation Wednesday indicates that the 2016 fifth-round pick should make his regular-season debut against the Buccaneers in Week 2.

Reader (quad) is out for Sunday's game versus the Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Reader seems to be close to returning from the quadriceps tear he suffered late last season, but he'll have to wait at least one more week to get back into action. Kyle Peko could see an increase in snaps with Reader unavailable.

Reader (quadriceps) was a limited participant for Friday's practice and is questionable for Detroit's Week 1 game against the Rams, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Reader is still in the late stages of recovery from his quadriceps tear he suffered in Week 15 of last season. The 6-foot-3 defensive tackle has been a limited participant in each of the Lions' practices this week, so his true status will likely be revealed Sunday morning.

Reader (quadricep) was listed as a limited participant for Thursday's practice session.

Reader is in the final stages of his recovery from a torn quadriceps injury he sustained in Week 15 of the 2023 season against Minnesota. The 2016 fifth-round pick was able to pass his physical in late August and come off the active/PUP list, but his status for the Lions' regular-season opener against the Rams on Sunday is still in the air. If Reader is unable to suit up for Week 1, expect Levi Onwuzurike and Mekhi Wingo to see an increased snap count at defensive tackle alongside starter Alim McNeill.

Reader (quadriceps), who was initially targeting a Week 2 return, has a chance to play in Detroit's Week 1 contest against the Rams, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

Reader has been managing a quadriceps injury since December, but he was removed from Detroit's active/PUP list Sunday after passing his physical. The 30-year-old nose tackle could play a significant role in the Lions' Week 1 outing if he's available, as Detroit is matching up with a Rams offense that averaged 117.4 rushing yards per game in 2023.

Reader (quadriceps) was activated from the Lions' active/PUP list Sunday after passing his physical.

Reader ended 2023 on the Bengals' injured reserve after tearing his quadriceps in Week 15 against the Vikings. He missed OTAs and minicamp and began training camp on the Lions' PUP list, but he appears to have fully recovered from the injury and will work on getting caught up to speed ahead of Week 1 against the Rams on Sept. 8. Reader recorded 34 tackles (20 solo), including 1.0 sacks, one pass defended and one fumble recovery across 14 regular-season games in 2023.

Reader, who was placed on the active/PUP list July 21 as he continues to recover from a torn quadriceps, said Tuesday that he's not sure when he will return to training camp, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

If Reader were to be placed on the reserve/PUP list, he would be forced to miss the Lions' first four games of the regular season. Reader missed the last three games of 2023 after tearing his quadriceps in Week 15 against the Vikings. He finished the season with 34 tackles (20 solo), including 1.0 sacks, one pass defended and one fumble recovery across 14 regular-season games as a member of the Bengals.

Reader, who was placed on the active/PUP list July 21 as he continues to recover from a torn quadriceps, said Tuesday that he's not sure when he will return to training camp, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

If Reader were to be placed on the reserve/PUP list, he would be forced to miss the Lions' first four games of the regular season. Reader missed the last three games of 2023 after tearing his quadriceps in Week 15 against the Vikings. He finished the season with 34 tackles (20 solo), including 1.0 sacks, one pass defended and one fumble recovery across 14 regular-season games as a member of the Bengals.

Detroit placed Reader (quadriceps) on its active/PUP list Sunday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

As expected, Reader will begin training camp on the PUP list as he continues to recover from a torn quadriceps he picked up with the Bengals in the 2023 season. Coach Dan Campbell said that Reader would "take a minute" to be back in playing shape, so it's still unclear at this point whether he'll be active for Week 1.

Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Thursday that Reader (quadriceps) may not be ready for the start of training camp, per NFL.com.

Reader inked a two-year deal with the Lions' back in March, but he has yet to take the field as he continues to recover from a quadriceps issue that he sustained late last year. Injuries have been a concern for the 29-year-old as of late, causing him to miss 10 total games over the last two seasons. Once Reader returns to full health, he's expected to remain one of the league's best run-stoppers in 2024.

The Lions signed Reader (quadriceps) to a two-year deal Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Reader's 2023 campaign was cut short due to a torn quadriceps, but it seems as if he's moved past the issue and now signed with the Lions. The 29-year-old defensive tackle was putting up solid numbers before he sustained his injury, recording 34 total tackles, including 1.0 sack and an additional tackle for loss across 14 appearances. Reader is known as one of the best run-stoppers in the entire NFL and he's expected to help improve a Lions' defensive line that already ranked second in rush yards allowed per game (91.1 yards) in 2023.

Reader (quadriceps) was placed on injured reserve Monday.

Reader suffered a torn quadriceps during Saturday's win over the Vikings and had already been ruled out for the remainder of the season, so his shift to IR does not come as a surprise. Either way, the injury is still a significant blow to the Bengals' defensive front as they work to earn a playoff spot in the final three weeks of the season. Josh Tupou, Jay Tufele and Zachary Carter will all likely be called upon to help fill the void of Reader's absence.

Reader will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn quadriceps, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Reader tore his quadriceps in Saturday's loss to the Vikings. He will now focus on recovering for the 2024 season. In his absence, Josh Tupou will presumably fill in at left tackle.

Reader's quadriceps injury, which he suffered during the Bengals' game against the Vikings on Saturday, is potentially serious, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The defensive tackle "had an MRI to determine a diagnosis," per Rapoport. Reader was carted off the field in the first half and ruled out shortly thereafter. The eighth-year pro has 34 tackles, including one sack, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery in 2023.

Reader has a right knee injury and will not return to Saturday's game against the Vikings.

The defensive tackle was carted off the field, per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Reader did not record a stat before exiting but has 34 tackles, including one sack, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery in 2023. Josh Tupou and Zachary Carter could see more snaps in his absence.

Reader (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Reader was added to the injury report Friday and was unable to practice. Nevertheless, he'll suit up for a pivotal Week 14 matchup against the Colts and will occupy a significant role in the middle of the Bengals' defensive line.

Reader (back) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Reader popped up on the Bengals' injury report Friday with a back issue, and he now seems to be in jeopardy of missing Sunday's affair. If the veteran defensive tackle were to be held out in Week 14, Josh Tupou would likely see increased work on the Bengals' defensive line.

Reader (personal) returned to practice Friday, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Reader was away from the team for personal reasons on Thursday. However, he'll be ready to return to his typical role as a run stuffer along Cincinnati's defensive line for a Week 13 matchup against Kansas City. In five games this season, Reader has 11 total tackles and two passes defended.

Reader (knee) was activated off of injured reserve Saturday.

Reader is expected to make his return this week versus the Steelers after injuring his MCL back in Week 3 against the Jets. Reader will return to his starting spot at defensive tackle alongside B.J. Hill, and the former should improve a Bengals run defense that already ranks in the top 10.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Friday that Reader (knee) will play Sunday against the Steelers, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Reader was designated to return from injured reserve Monday after missing the previous six games due to an MCL sprain, but he appears to have progressed well during practice and is in line to suit up Sunday. Despite Taylor's optimism, Reader won't officially clear his injury designation until the Bengals activate the defensive tackle from IR, which may not happen until Sunday morning.

Reader (knee) was designated to return from injured reserve Monday.

Reader has missed the last six games due to an MCL sprain, but he'll be able to rejoin the Bengals at practice following their Week 10 bye. The 28-year-old will need to be activated from injured reserve within the next three weeks if he hopes to play again in 2022.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday that Reader (knee) won't be activated ahead of Sunday's matchup against Carolina, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Reader will miss a sixth consecutive contest while on IR due to an MCL sprain, but it sounds like he may return to practice following the Bengals' Week 10 bye. Taylor said the team will "get a feel" for Reader's status during the bye and added that the defensive tackle's progress has "been really positive" so far.

Bengals' coach Zac Taylor said that Reader (knee) won't be ready to return Monday night against the Browns, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports.

Hobson suggested that the Bengals will likely hold Reader out until after they return from their bye week, on November 20th against the Steelers.

The Bengals placed Reader (knee) on injured reserve Thursday.

Reader is dealing with an MCL injury in his left knee and is facing approximately a six-week recovery timetable, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Cincinnati will hope Reader makes a full return down the stretch, but in the meantime rookie Zachary Carter should be primed for an increased role.

Reader (knee) is expected to miss an extended period of time but won't be ruled out for the remainder of the season, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Reader suffered the injury in the first half of the team's win over the Jets on Sunday and was unable to return to the contest. The extent of the issue remains unclear, but it appears like the Bengals will be without their top defensive tackle for the foreseeable future. In his absence, rookie Zachary Carter could garner an increased role move forward.

Reader (knee) was a DNP in the Bengals' estimated practice report Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Reader suffered the injury in the first half of the team's 27-12 win over the Jets on Sunday. He was unable to return, despite walking off the field under his own power. His estimated inability to practice today is magnified by the team's short week, and showdown with the Dolphins on Thursday. If Reader is unable to play, it'll be a blow to the team's defensive line, but will also lead to extra opportunities for rookie Zachary Carter.

Readers (knee) is ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Jets, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Reader went down with a knee injury after making a tackle in the first half against the Jets, though he was ultimately able to walk off under his own power, per Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer. The starting defensive tackle recorded eight tackles (seven solo) over the first two games this season, and his absence will mark a substantial blow for the Bengals' defense. As a result, expect Josh Tupou to step up into a larger role against the Jets.

Reader (coach's decision) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Reader returned from the reserve/COVID-19 list, but he didn't travel with the team ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Browns since the Bengals will be resting several starters ahead of the playoffs. Across 15 appearances in the regular season, he totaled 43 tackles (22 solo) and two sacks.

Reader (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

Reader tested positive for the virus over the weekend but has cleared the health and safety protocols over the next few days. He should return to his starting role at defensive tackle for Cincinnati in Week 17 now that he's available.

The Bengals placed Reader (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

Reader was unavailable for Sunday's win over the Ravens after he tested positive for COVID-19. His status for Sunday's Week 17 matchup against Kansas City depends on whether he's able to test negative for the virus before then, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Reader recorded six tackles (one solo) in Thursday's 24-21 win over the Jaguars.

Reader did a decent job clogging up the middle, though Jaguars running back James Robinson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence combined to score three touchdowns on the ground, accounting for all of Jacksonville's points. The 27-year-old defensive tackle has 14 tackles and a sack through four games.

Reader totaled three tackles and one sack during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Bears.

Reader only played in five games during his first season with the Bengals due to a quadriceps injury, but he looks poised to put his lost season behind him. The 27-year-old has played over 50.0 percent of the Bengals' defensive snaps in each game so far.

Reader (quadriceps) was placed on injured reserve Monday.

The Bengals fears that Reader suffered a season-ending injury during Sunday's loss to the Ravens. While that hasn't been confirmed, his placement on IR means he won't be eligible to return until Week 10 against the Steelers, at the earliest. However, it's likely he's shut down for the season, which would push Christian Covington into a starting role alongside Geno Atkins.

The Bengals believe that Reader (knee) suffered a season-ending quadriceps during Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Ravens, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Reader will undergo additional medical evaluation in the coming days, but for now the Bengals are preparing for the eventuality of losing the starting defensive tackle for the year. Christian Covington, who had handled a rotational defensive role through the first four games of the season, stands to see additional snaps going forward.

Reader (knee) was carted off the field during Sunday's game against the Ravens and has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

The injury thins out Cincinnati's front against Baltimore's potent rushing attack, thrusting 26-year-old Christian Covington into an important role along the interior defensive line. The newly-acquired Reader collected just one tackle prior to his exit Sunday, but he had recorded 18 tackles, one tackle for loss and one QB hit Weeks 1 through 4.

The Bengals overhauled their defense to better defend against the run, with the highlighted acquisition being the signing of Reader, but are 27th in rush yards allowed and last in the NFL in yards after contact, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports. That might not bode well this week against the Ravens.

This is not to say that this lies at the feet of Reader - in fact, the team is pleased with his performance so far. But they've been strikingly poor in finishing tackles as a unit, which hasn't been at full strength so far. The biggest absences have been from Geno Atkins and Trae Waynes, who haven't played at all, plus Mackensie Alexander and Logan Wilson missed last week's game.

Reader (muscle cramps) wasn't listed on Monday's injury report, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

It was quite concerning when Reader was carted off the field during Sunday's loss to the Chargers, but it was indeed just muscle cramps, as he was a full participant in Monday's practice. He'll be counted on heavily in Thursday's matchup against the Browns, especially if Geno Atkins (shoulder) is unable to go.

Reader (muscle cramps) is probable to return to Sunday's tilt against the Chargers, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Reader was carter off the field due to what initially looked to be a significant injury, so it's encouraging to see him listed as probable. As long as Reader remains off the field, however, the Bengals defense will face increased difficulty stopping the run.

Reader says he's lost about 30 pounds since the end of last season, dropping to around 317, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Reader often played nose tackle in Houston the past four seasons, but he did show some pass-rushing talent with 13 QB hits and 2.5 sacks in 2019. After defecting to Cincinnati on a four-year, $53 million contract, Reader probably envisions himself getting more opportunities to chase quarterbacks as a 3-technique tackle in a 4-3 defense. It might mean sacrificing something against the run, but it's not like he'll be undersized at 317 pounds.

Reader is slated to sign a four-year, $53 million deal with the Bengals, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

That will make Reader -- who recorded 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Texans in 2019 -- the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL, while Field Yates of ESPN notes that by adding him to the mix alongside Geno Atkins, the Bengals will now boast one of the best defensive tackle duos in the league.

Reader finished the 2019 season with career highs in tackles (52) and sacks (2.5) over 15 games.

Reader has been a durable staple at defensive tackle for the Texans, missing just three games over the last four years. Houston must decide if it's worth keeping the 25-year-old lineman, who enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The Texans ranked 25th in rushing defense, an aspect of defense where a nose tackle like Reader earns his salary. Overall, the defense ranked 28th and the unit was exposed in the playoff loss to the Chiefs. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will not return in that role, so expect changes under new DC Anthony Weaver.

Reader. who missed time during training camp with a groin injury, returned to practice Monday, Deepi Sidhu of the Texans' official site reports.

Reader, the Texans' starter at nose tackle, is expected to make his preseason debut Saturday against the Cowboys.