As the Detroit Lions prepare to kick off their 2024 season, the injury report has become a point of major interest for fans. Two key moments have emerged, shedding light on the health and availability of crucial players such as DJ Reader and Jordan Love from division rivals the Green Bay Packers.
First, let's tackle the updates on our own team stalwart, DJ Reader. According to Jeremy Reisman from Pride of Detroit, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Reader, who has been recovering from a torn quadriceps tendon, is “not quite ready” to take the field for the Week 1 face-off against the Los Angeles Rams. Fans were clinging to hope after some optimistic comments from Coach Dan Campbell earlier in the week. Campbell had said, “He looked pretty good. Now, it’s just a matter of, if he plays, how many can he play?” showing a glimmer of hope Reader could suit up. However, the final decision rests with keeping Reader's long-term health in mind. Coach Campbell and the Lions’ staff decided it was best to sit him out for the season opener.
DJ Reader signed a two-year, $22 million deal with the Lions this offseason, and his presence is much anticipated to bolster the team's run defense and interior pass rush. Reisman notes that Reader’s setback prompted the Lions to elevate nose tackle Kyle Peko from the practice squad and sign defensive tackle Chris Smith to the 53-man roster, ensuring depth in Reader's absence. The consensus is clear: better safe than sorry. Reader’s more realistic return seems to be set for next week's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While the Lions manage their lineup adjustments, eyes also turned to a significant development from one of their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers. As mentioned in an article by Jimmy Liao MD for USA Today, the Packers' quarterback Jordan Love gave everyone a scare when he went down with a knee injury late in the fourth quarter on September 6, 2024. Initially looking like a routine high ankle sprain, slow-motion replays showed a disturbing pop in his left knee. This immediately raised concerns of significant damage akin to what fans witnessed with Aaron Rodgers' Achilles injury in Week 1 of the previous season.
Follow-ups by Ian Rapoport revealed that Love suffered “between a grade 1 and grade 2 MCL sprain,” equivalent to a partial tear. Fortunately, the sprain doesn’t seem to be as severe as initially feared. A three to four week recovery time has been predicted, indicative of a mild-moderate MCL sprain with no complications. Though Love dodged a few bullets including an ACL tear or a tendon rupture, the unseen details in injury reports mean there could still be more than meets the eye. Love’s knee pop could also be attributed to other causes such as a patella dislocation or muscle spasm, but the Packers camp appears confident in the MCL sprain diagnosis.
So, what does this mean for Lions fans? Primarily, patience will be required to see DJ Reader in action, but the depth added to the squad should bolster their chances against the Rams. As for their division's competition, the Lions will likely not face a 100% Jordan Love by their first clash in early November. While Love’s injury adds another layer to the NFC North dynamics, Lions fans can remain cautiously optimistic about their team’s chances in the early season.
Stay tuned for more updates on player statuses as we roar into Week 1 of the NFL season.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Jordan Love left knee injury analysis and outlook from Jimmy Liao MD, USA Today
Report: Lions’ DJ Reader ‘not quite ready’ for Week 1 vs. Rams from Jeremy Reisman, Pride Of Detroit
D.J. Reader is not expected to play for Lions from ProFootball Talk, Yahoo Sports
DJ Reader ruled out, will not play for Lions vs. Rams from Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire