Feb. 5, 2026, 5:46 a.m. ET
The Detroit Lions finished the 2025 NFL season with a 9-8 record, finishing fourth in the NFC North and missing the playoffs. Injuries played a significant role in their performance, with the team ranking as the second-most injured in the league based on man-games lost, following a similar issue in 2024 where they were No. 1.
There were 10 injuries that stood out as most impactful in chronological order. Previously on Lions Wire:
Now, at No. 6:
No. 6: DJ Reed
DJ Reed was the Lions’ prized free agent signing of the 2025 offseason. However, his overall production was limited by a severe left hamstring strain suffered in Week 4 versus the Cleveland Browns. This injury led to him being placed on injured reserve on Oct. 1, 2025, causing him to miss six games. He was activated on Nov. 22 and returned to the lineup for the final seven games of the season, starting with Week 12 against the Giants.
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Here is an excerpt from my article:
Reed missed 2 months (6 games) with this severe hamstring strain. He was able to return for the final 7 games, but it took him a little while to get back up to speed. – Jimmy Liao MD
DJ Reed hamstring injury video2025 Regular Season StatsTotal Tackles: 46 (37 solo)Interceptions: 2 (recorded in Week 4 against the Browns and Week 14 against the Cowboys)Passes Defensed: 7Forced Fumbles: 1Fumble Recoveries: 1Sacks: 0Games Played: 11OUTLOOK
Reed will be 29 years old entering the 2026 season. He didn’t appear totally back to form in the last few games of last season, but should be able to recover fully during this offseason. Expect him to be a high-quality starting cornerback in 2026.
Next up: No. 7 Christian Mahogany
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