D.J. Reed’s Return Timeline Extended
The Detroit Lions are preparing for a wait as veteran cornerback D.J. Reed remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Head coach Dan Campbell provided an update on Reed’s condition during a press conference ahead of practice on Friday, indicating that a return is likely not in the immediate future.
“Reed’s doing well. I don’t know if I can give you that timeline,” Campbell stated. “There again, I’d say early December. Somewhere in there. But he’s looking good, he’s getting better and better.”
As the Lions navigate Reed’s absence, the team has turned to a mix of players to step into the cornerback position. Amik Robertson, Arthur Maulet, Rock Ya-Sin, and Nick Whiteside have all taken on more significant roles in the defensive backfield.
Maulet’s Growth Under Pressure
Maulet, in particular, has drawn attention for his ability to adapt quickly to the team’s defensive schemes. Despite struggling to make pivotal plays in coverage during critical moments, the coaching staff has praised his commitment to learning the playbook and his overall consistency.
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard elaborated on why he places trust in Maulet, citing his performance since joining the team. “Because of what he’s shown since he’s been here. I go off what my eyes see. Not narratives, not what round, not where you’re from, not what you look like,” Sheppard explained. “When I hit play, what does that show me? And it shows a guy that’s been in here since day one, since we’ve had that player Arthur Maulet, put his head down and done everything we’ve asked.”
Sheppard also highlighted a standout moment from a recent game, where Maulet executed a disguise that contributed to a defensive play. “One of the best disguises I’ve seen all year was on the free run when Jack (Campbell) got through,” he noted. “It should’ve been second-and-9 or something like that, and Jack got a 15-yard penalty, which we worked so we could be in compliance with the NFL, rolling off to the side of the quarterback when we sack him.”
Maulet’s Role Moving Forward
Although the Lions faced challenges in their last game against the Vikings, which included a drive extension that sealed the game for their opponents, Maulet’s role on the defense is not in jeopardy. Sheppard indicated that if a critical moment arises again, Maulet will likely be called upon to play press man coverage.
“Just things like that. He stood up when asked,” Sheppard emphasized. “I mean, he made a tremendous play in the Tampa game, everybody was talking about him like he was Deion Sanders. Then he gave up the pass, I’m seeing, ‘Why you do this, why that?’ No, if the game’s on the line, it’s going to be Arthur Maulet in press man and he’s going to find a way to get the ball out of the basket.”
As the Lions anticipate Reed’s eventual return, the focus remains on the defensive unit’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure, with players like Maulet proving their worth in the process.
