Detroit Lions fans, it's time to update your injury notes for the upcoming showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. Headlining the list is none other than DJ Reader, the Lions' star nose tackle, who unfortunately won't be suiting up for Week 1.
According to Jeremy Reisman from Pride Of Detroit, Reader is “not quite ready” to play in the season opener. The torn quad injury he sustained last December while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals has kept him sidelined longer than anticipated. While Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell remained hopeful during the week, it became evident by Saturday that Reader wouldn’t be ready. “There’s still a chance. I’ll know more probably after tomorrow than I do right now,” Campbell mentioned earlier in the week, leaving fans with a shred of hope. By Friday, Campbell was cautiously optimistic, noting, “He looked pretty good. Now, it’s just a matter of, if he plays, how many can he play?” However, the final decision to elevate Kyle Peko from the practice squad and sign Chris Smith to the active roster suggested otherwise.
Jeff Risdon from Lions Wire also reported that Reader will be officially ruled out for Week 1. Risdon points out that Reader, who was generous enough to sign a two-year, $22 million deal with Detroit, will delay his impact on the Lions' run defense and pass rush by at least another week. In Reader’s absence, the Lions will lean on Kyle Peko and Chris Smith to hold down the fort on the defensive line.
There are more injury updates worth noting as both teams face their share of setbacks. The Rams, for instance, are expected to be without starting offensive tackles Alaric Jackson (suspension) and Rob Havenstein (ankle injury), as reported by Yahoo Sports. This could significantly impact their offensive line, making it a potential game-changer for the Lions.
On the positive side, the Lions might have an edge in the match-up due to the Rams' depleted defense. Hamza Baccouche from Pride Of Detroit points out that the retirement of Aaron Donald, the Rams' Hall of Fame defensive tackle, has left a noticeable void in their defensive strategy. The new-look Rams defense might struggle against the Lions, who could capitalize on this by leaning into their rushing attack. The absence of key players in the Rams' secondary, including Darious Williams, who was placed on injured reserve, also tilts the scales in favor of the Lions' offense.
This Week 1 matchup between the Lions and the Rams isn't just about player conditions. It’s also a test of how well teams adapt to their evolving rosters and whether depth players can rise to the occasion. USA Today reminds us that the odds are in favor of the Lions (-4.5), but only time will tell if they can meet the expectations or if the Rams will pull off a surprise.
As we gear up for what promises to be a thrilling game, the Lions will need all the depth and strategic planning they can muster to cover for their injured stars and take advantage of the Rams' vulnerabilities. Stay tuned, Lions fans, for what could be a game-changing season opener!
What other sites are saying about this topic
Report: Lions’ DJ Reader ‘not quite ready’ for Week 1 vs. Rams from Jeremy Reisman, Pride Of Detroit
DJ Reader ruled out, will not play for Lions vs. Rams from Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire
Report: Rams RT Rob Havenstein not expected to play vs. Lions from Yahoo Sports
Rams vs. Lions bold prediction: Detroit’s rushing attack explodes vs. LA from Hamza Baccouche, Pride Of Detroit
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions: Predictions and latest odds for NFL Week 1 game from USA Today