DJ Reader: I’m Still One Of The Top Three In My Position
Defensive tackle DJ Reader says his injury history isn’t a concern as he prepares to begin life with the Lions.
DJ Reader arrives in Detroit with four years experience with the Texans, and four with the Bengals. He was part of the group that transformed Cincinnati into a postseason force.
When DJ Reader joined Cincy in 2020, they were coming off their fourth straight losing season. Alongside Joe Burrow, Reader and the Bengals would go on to reach Super Bowl LVI and the AFC Championship Game the year after.
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However, injuries would be Reader’s undoing as a Bengal. Two quad tears, as well as numerous other issues, limited his playing time to 44 games out of a possible 67.
Nonetheless, Reader believes he is still one of the top three in his position when he is fit.
“I don’t see any setbacks keeping me from being able to be right back where I was and the player who I was,” he said. “When I’m out there playing, I’m one of the top three players at my position. So I don’t think that’s gonna change. Once I get back and this knee’s back, I think it’ll be like you (Jim Rome) said, another setup for greatness to go out there and do this thing.”
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“I’m super excited, man. It’s a lot of talent on that team,” Reader said. “The defensive side of the ball is just like loaded with talent and guys who are hungry. If you watch them play, those guys fly around. They don’t do everything right or perfect, nobody does, but they fly around and they get after it. I think that’s what’s inspiring. So I’m excited just to get around those guys.”
