D.J. Reed's Injury Raises Concerns for Lions' Secondary

During the Detroit Lions' Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns on September 28, 2025, cornerback D.J. Reed suffered a significant hamstring injury in the fourth quarter. The injury occurred while Reed was defending a pass intended for Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy, leading to his immediate removal from the game via a cart. At the time of the injury, the Lions were leading 20-10, ultimately winning the game 34-10. Reed was officially ruled questionable to return, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed skepticism about Reed's availability for the following week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Reed's injury is particularly concerning for the Lions, as he was a key offseason acquisition, signed to a three-year, $48 million contract after spending the previous seasons with the New York Jets. Prior to his injury, Reed had made a notable impact, recording his first interception as a Lion earlier in the game and demonstrating strong coverage skills throughout the season. His absence could significantly affect the Lions' defensive capabilities, especially given the team's previous struggles in the secondary.

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Reed was not the only player to exit the game with an injury. Cornerback Terrion Arnold also left the field due to a shoulder injury sustained while tackling Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins. Arnold's injury is considered less severe, but his status for the upcoming game remains uncertain. The Lions' secondary is already facing challenges, as safety Kerby Joseph had previously left the game with a knee issue but managed to return.

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After the game, Dan Campbell stated, "We all saw Reed’s [injury]. 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." Regarding Arnold, Campbell noted, "I don’t think TA’s [Terrion Arnold’s] is a major thing... but it’s certainly not as significant as what Reed had."

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Critics of the Lions' management may point to the team's lack of depth at the cornerback position, which has been a recurring issue. The decision to invest heavily in Reed was seen as a necessary move to bolster a struggling secondary, and now, with both Reed and Arnold potentially sidelined, the Lions' defensive strategy could be severely tested.

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As the Lions prepare for their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals, they will need to evaluate the extent of Reed's injury and make adjustments to their defensive lineup. With Khalil Dorsey and Rock Ya-Sin likely stepping into more prominent roles, the team's ability to maintain its defensive performance will be crucial as they navigate through this injury crisis.

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• “I don’t know what that’s going to be or how long [he will miss]. Certainly, I cannot imagine him playing next week, at a minimum, until we get more tests done.” — Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

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• “We all saw Reed’s. I don’t know what that’s gonna be or how long,” — Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

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• “I don’t think TA’s [injury] is a major thing,” — Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

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The Lions will closely monitor Reed's condition in the coming days, hoping for a favorable outcome that minimizes his time away from the field.

Newsweek