DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Thu 6/6/24 5:37 PM

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

DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Thu 3/14/24 4:09 PM

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

DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Mon 12/18/23 5:51 PM

Reader (quadriceps) was placed on injured reserve Monday.
EDGE Analysis
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.

DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Sun 12/17/23 3:17 PM

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

DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Sat 12/16/23 3:55 PM

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.
EDGE Analysis
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 1.0 sacks, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery in 2023.

DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Sat 12/16/23 1:31 PM

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

DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Sun 12/10/23 11:42 AM

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

DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Fri 12/8/23 3:55 PM

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

DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Fri 12/2/22 10:57 PM

Reader (personal) returned to practice Friday, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
Reader was away from the team for personal reasons 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.

DJ Reader
IL/DT DET (8)
Sat 11/19/22 2:13 PM

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