Jalen Reeves-Maybin Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Bears vs Eagles game on Friday with our National Football League injury report.Feb 27, 2025
Set for free agency
The Lions are expected to release Reeves-Maybin when the new league year begins, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to a neck injury, but he still played a career-high 148 defensive snaps and remained a key contributor on special teams. He tallied 14 total tackles and will likely find a new home quickly in a similar role.
Dec 30, 2024
Good to go against San Francisco
Reeves-Maybin (neck) is active for Monday night's game against the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin had missed the Lions' last seven games due to a neck injury, but he was activated off IR on Monday and will play. Prior to his injury, Reeves-Maybin logged 11 tackles (seven solo) and one forced fumble across eight regular-season games.
Dec 30, 2024
Activated off IR
The Lions activated Reeves-Maybin (neck) from injured reserve Monday.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin will return Monday from a seven-game absence due to a neck injury he suffered against the Packers in Week 9. The 2017 fourth-round pick will provide rotational depth at linebacker behind starters Trevor Nowaske, Jack Campbell and Ezekiel Turner.
Dec 28, 2024
Questionable for Week 17
Reeves-Maybin (neck) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the 49ers after logging a full practice Saturday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin has been on injured reserve since early November due to a neck injury he suffered in Week 9 against the Packers. He was a full participant all week, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be activated off IR ahead of Monday night's game. In the seven games prior to his injury, Reeves-Maybin accumulated nine tackles (six solo) and one forced fumble.
Dec 20, 2024
Won't play Sunday
Reeves-Maybin (neck) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin was designated to return from injured reserve Thursday and practiced in a limited capacity; however, it now appears he still isn't ready for in-gam action just yet. The Tennessee product will remain on injured reserve, paving the way for David Long to serve as the Lions' top backup middle linebacker in Week 16.
Dec 19, 2024
Has 21-day practice window opened
Reeves-Maybin (neck) was designated to return from injured reserve Thursday and was a limited participant in practice.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin had been on IR since early November due to a neck injury. The veteran linebacker is now eligible to be activated and to return to game action, though it's not clear if the Lions will make him available for this Sunday's game against the Bears. Reeves-Maybin had been working in a rotational role prior to his injury, topping out at 47 percent of Detroit's defensive snaps Week 3 against Arizona. He could see more work upon his eventual return, though, given the rash of injuries to the team's linebacker corps.
Nov 9, 2024
Lands on IR with neck injury
The Lions placed Reeves-Maybin (neck) on injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin was already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans due to a neck injury he picked up in Week 9 against the Packers. However, the injury is severe enough to warrant a multi-week absence, and Reeves-Maybin will be forced to sit for at least the next four regular-season games. The earliest he can return is Week 14 against Green Bay on Thursday, Dec. 5.
Nov 8, 2024
Won't play vs. Houston
Reeves-Maybin (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin picked up a neck injury during the Lions' Week 9 win over the Packers. He will be sidelined for Sunday's game after not being able to practice all week, and his next chance at suiting up will be Week 11 against the Jaguars on Sunday, Nov. 17. With starting linebacker Malcom Rodriguez (ankle) also ruled out, Trevor Nowaske and Ben Niemann will each see an increased snap count on defense along starting linebackers Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone.
Nov 6, 2024
Logs DNP on Wednesday
Reeves-Maybin (neck) didn't practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
The veteran linebacker sustained what appeared to be a shoulder injury in the Lions' Week 9 win over the Packers, though it has since been clarified to a neck issue. Reeves-Maybin is likely in jeopardy of missing Detroit's Week 10 matchup in Houston if he's unable to practice in a limited fashion Thursday or Friday.
Nov 3, 2024
Questionable to return
Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin suffered a shoulder injury in the second half, leaving his availability for the remainder of the game in question. In his absence, Alex Anzalone will operate as the team's exclusive traditional option at middle linebacker.
Jul 25, 2024
Healthy again
Reeves-Maybin (groin) is seemingly healthy once again, Daniel Mears of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin has now recovered from a groin injury suffered during the NFC Championship Game last season. The 29-year-old will look to contribute both on special teams and as a reserve defender once the regular season starts.
Feb 26, 2024
Gets new deal
Reeves-Maybin (groin) signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension with the Lions on Monday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin played in all 17 regular season games for Detroit last season, earning a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl roster as a special teamer. He finished his 2023 campaign with 20 tackles, a sack and two passes defended. According to Garafolo, the Tennesee product's new contract will make him the highest-paid core special teams player ever.
Jan 28, 2024
Leaves with groin injury
Reeves-Maybin (groin) is questionable to return to Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin sustained the third injury in the third quarter of Sunday's game. He did not record a stat before his exit. Anthony Pittman is the next man up as a depth outside linebacker alongside Justin Houston with both Reeves-Maybin and Derrick Barnes (knee) questionable to return Sunday.
Mar 22, 2023
Heading back to Detroit
Reeves-Maybin signed a contract with the Lions on Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin, who spent the first five years of his NFL career in Detroit before joining Houston in 2022, is now set to reunite with his former team for at least this upcoming season. The 230-pound linebacker posted career highs with 82 tackles, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles during his final campaign with the Lions in 2021, but he eventually saw 501 less defensive snaps as a member of the Texans this past year.
Mar 8, 2023
In line to be released
Houston plans to release Reeves-Maybin at the start of the league year, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin filled a backup role for the Texans in 2022, notching 15 tackles and a fumble recovery. The league year is set to begin March 15, at which time Reeves-Maybin is expected to be removed from the roster.
Mar 17, 2022
Signing with Texans
Reeves-Maybin will sign a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Texans on Thursday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin spent his first five professional seasons with the Lions, and he had a career-best year in 2021. Across 15 appearances, he logged 82 tackles (53 solo), four pass defenses, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. The 27-year-old will be rewarded with a two-year deal from the Texans, and he should have a chance to carve out a sizable role in the team's defense.
Dec 26, 2021
Ready to go Sunday
Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) will play Sunday against the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin missed Weeks 13 and 14 with the injury but was able to return in Week 15 against the Cardinals, where he recorded three tackles and two passes defensed on 96 percent of the defensive snaps. He should continue to play a large role in the Lions' linebacker unit Sunday against the Falcons.
Dec 24, 2021
Questionable again for Sunday
Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) has been listed as questionable to take the field Sunday against the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
The linebacker missed the Week 13 and Week 14 contests due to the shoulder injury, but he was able to return to the field and play 96 percent of the defensive snaps last week against Arizona. Prior to that contest, Reeves-Maybin had logged a trio of limited practice sessions, which is precisely how this week has shaped up as well. Given that context, it seems reasonable to expect him to take the field Sunday.
Dec 19, 2021
Set for return
Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin is active for the first time since Week 12 after logging a trio of limited practices. His return will provide a boost to the Detroit defense, as he's racked up 54 total tackles with one pass defended across 11 games on the campaign.
Dec 17, 2021
Chance to return Week 15
Reeves-Mabin (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Mabin has sat out the past two games with the shoulder injury but may be able to retake the field Sunday. Derrick Barnes should continue to have an increased role if Reeves-Mabin remains sidelined.
Dec 10, 2021
Out Sunday
Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) is out Sunday against the Broncos, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin will miss his second straight game. Derrick Barnes will likely be looking at an increased work load Sunday, as the Lions are dealing with multiple injuries to their linebacker unit.
Dec 8, 2021
Listed as non-participant
Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin was sidelined for Sunday's win over the Vikings. If he hopes to play in Week 14 against Denver, he'll presumably need to practice in some capacity later in the week.
Dec 3, 2021
Sidelined for Week 13
Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) won't play in Sunday's game against the Vikings, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin was unable to practice at all throughout the week. Derrick Barnes will likely get the start in Reeves-Maybin's place as the Lions try to slow down a Minnesota running game that will be led by Alexander Mattison with Dalvin Cook (shoulder) having been ruled out as well.
Dec 2, 2021
Opens week with two absences
Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin also failed to practice Wednesday after hurting his shoulder against the Bears on Thanksgiving. His availability for Sunday's matchup with Minnesota is in serious doubt, though Reeves-Maybin could give himself a shot at suiting up by practicing in some fashion Friday.
Nov 25, 2021
Questionable to return
Reeves-Maybin is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Bears due to a shoulder injury.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin sustained his injury late in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Josh Woods. He totaled four tackles (two solo) prior to his departure. Woods and Derrick Barnes could see additional playing time if Reeves-Maybin is forced to miss additional time.
Aug 9, 2021
Returns from COVID list
The Lions activated Reeves-Maybin (undisclosed) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin missed the start of training camp due to his placement on the COVID list, but he can now join teammates on the practice field. The linebacker is preparing for a fifth consecutive season as a key special-teams contributor with the Lions.
Aug 9, 2021
Returns from COVID list
The Lions activated Reeves-Maybin (undisclosed) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin missed the start of training camp due to his placement on the COVID list, but he can now join teammates on the practice field. The linebacker is preparing for a fifth consecutive season as a key special-teams contributor with the Lions.
Jul 28, 2021
Placed on COVID list
Reeves-Maybin was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin had been dealing with a heel injury earlier this offseason, and now he'll begin camp on the COVID-19 list. He'll hope to clear protocols by Detroit's Aug. 13 preseason opener.
Jun 10, 2021
Injures heel
Reeves-Maybin exited Tuesday's practice with a minor heel injury, Justin Rogers of the Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
The specifics of the injury aren't clear, but it sounds like Reeves-Maybin should be back on the field before long.
Mar 15, 2021
Re-ups with Lions
Reeves-Maybin signed a one-year, $2.378 million contract to remain with the Lions on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin's contract is fully guaranteed. He played predominantly on special teams last season, totaling 10 tackles while dressing in all 16 games.
Nov 1, 2020
Ready for Sunday's contest
Reeves-Maybin is active for Sunday's game versus the Colts.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin missed practice this week due to a non-injury related issue, but he'll join the team for Sunday's matchup. The fourth-year linebacker out of Tennessee barely plays on defense but is a consistent contributor on kick and punt coverage.
Aug 18, 2020
Might see expanded role on defense
Reeves-Maybin could play a key role on defense in 2020, Chris Burke of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Most of Detroit's linebackers are primarily the downhill type, but Reeves-Maybin (6-foot, 230 pounds) has a different skillset that could be useful for the Lions on passing downs. Considering Reeves-Maybin distinguished himself as arguably Detroit's best special teams player in 2019, any added utility on defense would seemingly make the 25-year-old a near-lock to make the roster.
Jan 10, 2020
New career high in tackles
Reeves-Maybin totaled 37 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery over 16 games in 2019.
ANALYSIS
Despite opening the year with a significant role, Reeves-Maybin was almost exclusively a special teams player for the majority of the season. While injuries to other members of the Lions defense forced the Tennessee product into an expanded role for the last three games of the year -- and Reeves-Maybin ultimately contributed over six tackles per game over this stretch -- there's a reason he wasn't seeing much playing time before, which says something given how poor Detroits' linebacking corps was in 2019. Reeves-Maybin has one year left on his rookie contract but the Lions probably aren't planning on him being a starter in 2020.
Dec 15, 2019
Expected to start
Reeves-Maybin is slated to start in Christian Jones' (shoulder) place Sunday against the Buccaneers, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
Reeves-Maybin has barely played on defense this season, but he'll be thrust into a starting role with Jones and Jarrad Davis (ankle/knee) sitting out. A third-year pro, Reeves-Maybin has 61 tackles (49 solo) through 36 career games.