Lions Top 10 Injury News of 2025: #8 DJ Reed Hamstring

The Lions lose their #1 CB for part of the season

DJ Reed was the crown jewel signing of the Lions 2025 free agency having agreed to a 3-year $48 million deal with $32 million guaranteed. He was the direct #1 CB replacement for Carlton Davis who left in free agency.

Unfortunately, a significant injury sabotaged most of his 2025 season and became one of the major losses to the Lions’ defense.

The Injury - Hamstring strain (September 28, 2025)

In Week 4 of the season, Reed went down with a severe-looking hamstring and was carted off.

The severity of the strain was moderate-high and threatened the rest of his season. Fortunately, no season-ending surgery was needed, and Reed was able to heal naturally.

After missing six games, he returned to play the final seven games. However, he didn’t look like his normal self during those games.

In total, Reed played in 11 games in 2025 and finished with two interceptions and seven passes defensed.

Post-season Recovery

Reed revealed that he underwent stem cell treatments in Panama during the 2026 offseason to aide his recovery. See my Stem Cell Treatment Analysis for reasons why this treatment is unlikely to have made an impact.

More likely, what has helped his recovery is simply having a full offseason to rest and rehab. Video during the the Lions OTA in June shows him opening up the throttle in trying to catch Jameson Williams…

Outlook for 2026

Recovery from his hamstring appears to have gone very well, and Reed looks ready to regain his previous form as a #1 CB. Given the major uncertainties with the rest of the secondary, the Lions really need a healthy Reed.

With hamstrings, there is a chance of recurrence though, so that will be something to monitor with DJ Reed throughout the season.

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For #9 on the Top 10 Injury News of 2025…