The Detroit Lions are facing ongoing injury challenges on defense, with defensive lineman D.J. Reader becoming the latest player to be sidelined. Reader, who did not practice all week due to a shoulder injury, has been officially ruled out for the Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Reader is one of four Lions players who will miss the NFC North clash, joining left tackle Taylor Decker and defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike and Josh Paschal. Head coach Dan Campbell had already indicated earlier in the week that Decker, Onwuzurike, and Paschal would be out, so their absence is no surprise. Decker will sit out his second consecutive game after suffering an injury in the Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts, while both Onwuzurike and Paschal were hurt on Thanksgiving Day.

Reader’s absence comes after a standout performance in Week 13 against the Chicago Bears, where he recorded two sacks, four tackles, and three quarterback hits, playing a key role in limiting Bears running back D’Andre Swift to under four yards per carry.

On a positive note, cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Emmanuel Moseley are set to play. Moseley, who started the season on injured reserve, will make his 2024 debut, while Davis returns after missing last week’s game due to a knee issue.

In response to the mounting injuries, the Lions have signed defensive linemen Myles Adams and Jonah Williams, linebacker Kwon Alexander, and safety Jamal Adams to provide additional depth.