Detroit Lions fans will have to wait at least another week for the debut of defensive lineman DJ Reader.
Reader, who returned to practice last week after sitting out all of the offseason and training camp rehabbing a quad injury, is inactive and won't play tonight for the Lions as they kick off the regular season hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on Sunday Night Football. Reader was one of Detroit's big free-agent acquisitions this offseason.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was holding out a little hope this week Reader could play on a limited basis tonight as they tried to get him acclimated to pads and practice, but the plan dating back to the start of training camp was for a Week 2 debut.
The team signed defensive lineman Chris Smith from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday and also elevated defensive lineman Kyle Peko from the practice squad to boost their numbers along the D-line.
"I think this D-line can be the engine that we've desperately needed, and I think they will be," Campbell said Friday.
Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill and Marcus Davenport are a nice trio upfront for a Lions' defense that is expected to be much better overall than last season, even without Reader tonight.
"Now look, we know we have a good opponent, we know this quarterback. He's done it for a long time and he's one of the best that plays behind center," Campbell said. "It'll be a challenge, but I really do like our matchup and I love where our defense is at right now."
The Lions already ruled out safety Loren Strickland (thumb) on Friday's injury report and listed safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) as doubtful, and both are inactive today.
Also inactive Sunday for the Lions are edge rusher James Houston, linebacker Trevor Nowaske, offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal and tackle Giovanni Manu.
