Lions Cornerback D.J. Reed Set for Triumphant Return After Hamstring Nightmare
The Detroit Lions secondary is about to receive a significant boost as cornerback D.J. Reed prepares to return to action after a grueling two-month absence due to a hamstring injury. The defensive back suffered the setback during Detroit's Week 4 victory over the Cleveland Browns on September 28, leaving fans and teammates anxious about his recovery timeline.
From Injury Despair to Practice Field Return
The injury occurred at the start of the fourth quarter when Reed was sprinting after Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. The cornerback suddenly pulled up, clutching his hamstring in visible agony. Trainers rushed to his side as he lay on the turf, and moments later, a cart whisked him away to the locker room. The initial diagnosis revealed a Grade 2/3 hamstring strain, though fortunately, no surgery was required.
Reed later confessed to the Detroit Free Press about his immediate fears following the injury. "I thought I tore it off the bone," Reed revealed on October 1. "I thought it was a wrap. But that's not the case, thank God." The uncertainty surrounding his return was palpable, with Reed acknowledging, "We don't have a timetable of like when I'm going to be back, but yeah, I strained it pretty bad. I don't need surgery, so just got to rehab it."
After being placed on injured reserve on October 1, Reed finally made his way back to practice on November 12, marking a crucial milestone in his recovery journey.
Coach Campbell's Vote of Confidence
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism about Reed's condition during a press conference on Friday. "He looks good. He looks like he's back off the injury," Campbell told reporters. "He's running around well. It's been a minute (since he's played), but yet he's played a lot of ball, too, so it's not going to take very long (to settle back in)."
The coach's confidence in Reed's readiness stems from the player's experience and professional approach to rehabilitation. Campbell had initially expressed concern immediately after the injury in September, stating, "We all see Reed's. I don't know what that's going to be or how long. Certainly, I cannot imagine him playing next week at a minimum until we get more tests done."
Roster Moves and Return Timeline
The path for Reed's return became clearer when the Detroit Lions officially activated both D.J. Reed and Khalil Dorsey from injured reserve on November 22. To clear space on the 53-man roster, the team waived safety Erick Hallett and linebacker Ty Summers. Dorsey, who had been sidelined by a wrist injury for the same duration as Reed, also returns to action.
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Reed was still questionable for Sunday's clash with the Giants as of November 21, but the team's decision to activate him just one day later confirmed his availability for the crucial matchup.
Statistical Impact and Team Needs
Reed's return comes at a perfect time for the Lions, especially with fellow cornerback Terrion Arnold sidelined by a concussion. In his four appearances this season before the injury, Reed tallied 16 tackles and an interception, demonstrating his value to Detroit's defensive unit. Meanwhile, Khalil Dorsey contributed four solo tackles over his four games.
Reed's 2025 season statistics showcase his consistent performance:
- Week 1 vs. Green Bay Packers: five combined tackles and one assisted tackle
- Week 2 vs. Chicago Bears: five combined tackles
- Week 3 vs. Baltimore Ravens: two combined tackles
- Week 4 vs. Cleveland Browns: four combined tackles, one assisted tackle, and one interception
Game Details and Season Context
The Detroit Lions (6-4) host the New York Giants (2-9) at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on FOX. Radio coverage includes SiriusXM, Westwood One, with local broadcasts on WXYT-FM, 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit and WFAN, 101.9 FM / 660 AM in New York.
Fans can stream the game live through Fubo, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and the Fox Sports App. According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Lions are significant favorites with a point spread of Lions: -13 (+110) versus Giants: +13 (-110). The moneyline stands at Lions: -900 and Giants: +600, with the Over/Under set at 50.5 points.
The Lions currently sit third in the NFC North while the Giants occupy fourth place in the NFC East, making this matchup crucial for Detroit's playoff aspirations.
Reed's return after missing six games due to his hamstring injury provides the Lions with experienced defensive depth as they push toward the postseason. His presence could prove instrumental in containing the Giants' offensive threats and maintaining Detroit's competitive edge in the NFC North division race.
