Lions' key returns on defense providing optimism ahead of playoff push
While the Detroit Lions' defense has been a powerhouse this season, it's been clear as day that the team could use additional depth in their secondary to help make it hum even more.
Enter D.J. Reed and Malcolm Rodriguez. Reed and Rodriguez, who have had separate stints on the IR and PUP list to begin the season, are set to return in Week 12 against the New York Giants.
That news, shared by head coach Dan Campbell on Monday, is extremely welcomed by the Legion of Whom that has carried the Lions' defense for the last few weeks amid injuries to Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph.
While neither Reed nor Rodriguez can help out in the safety room, which is the biggest area of need for the Lions right now, they can at least provide fresh legs behind Arnold, Amik Robertson, Jack Campbell, and Alex Anzalone.
Lions' key returns on defense are a sight for sore eyes ahead of postseason push
Campbell told reporters on Monday that the starting cornerback and backup linebacker have been putting in the work to return for the teams' Giants game this coming Sunday, and they're expected to play barring any setbacks in practice this week. Reed is going to be a big returner for the Lions with Arnold's concussion potentially hindering his ability to play this week.
As for Rodriguez, he's returning to backup a room that's been led by Campbell and Anzalone this year. Last season, Rodriguez posted 27 solo tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup before injuring his ACL at the very end of the year. He was one of several key defenders who went down before a playoff push by the Lions.
Kelvin Sheppard has to be excited about getting both Reed and Rodriguez back in the fold, as he's been working with the fewest players this season due to the injury bug impacting the defense the most in 2025. It hasn't done much to hold back the unit, though, with Detroit's defense ranking 5th overall in fewest yards allowed per game, in addition to only allowing 21.6 points per game.
With the offense falling flat as of late, it's been expected that the defense can keep Detroit in close games when they can't seem to score. While the loss was demoralizing, the Lions only lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by one score. That's thanks to the effort of the defense to completely shut the water off for Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith all game.
It'll be exciting to see what the defense can do against another struggling offense in Week 12. This is the perfect get-right opportunity for Reed and Rodriguez ahead of Thanksgiving Day against the Green Bay Packers.
Broncos Send Message After Rookie Draft Pick Gets Notice From NFL
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Pat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Denver Broncos have seen their young playmakers take leading roles in critical moments this season, and one of them, Pat Bryant, garnered attention from the NFL after his performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11.
The No. 74 overall pick of the 2025 draft, Bryant arrived amid lofty comparisons.
And while it has taken time, Bryant has seen a tremendous uptick in production over the last four weeks for the Broncos, who boast the best record in the NFL at 92 entering their bye.
Pat Bryant Sparks Message From Broncos After NFL Notice
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals.
“WR @PatBryant is up for @NFL Rookie of the Week!” the Broncos posted on X on November 18, urging fans to “congratulate” the youngster by reporting and to “vote” for him.
DenverBroncos.com’s Aric DiLalla called it the “most productive performance of his young career, noting Bryant “led all Broncos receivers in receptions in Sunday’s 22-19 win over the Chiefs, with grabs, turning them into 82 yards.
Bryant had a critical 48-yard grab to set up a score, and four of his catches went for first downs.
Bryant is facing stiff competition from his fellow rookie playmakers who were also nominated for their Week 11 showings.
The other nominees are linebackers Carson Schwesinger (Cleveland Browns) and Cody Simon (Arizona Cardinals), running backs Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville Jaguars) and TreVeyon Henderson (New England Patriots).
Carolina Panthers wideout Tetairoa McMillan is the final contender Bryant must beat out.
Bryant has 15 receptions for 231 yards and 1 touchdown this season. However, he has a 10-185-1 line on 15 targets over the last four games.
DiLalla noted that Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey, the No. 60 overall pick of the class, won the award for his 3-TD effort in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. However, Eddie Royal (2008) is the last Broncos receiver to win it.
For Bryant, this is the payoff of what Broncos head coach Sean Payton has said all along.
Sean Payton Was Always High on Pat Bryant
GettyPat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos goes through a drill during the offseason program.
Payton compared Bryant to former New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas, which the Broncos rookie appreciated while making it clear he wanted to carve out his own lane.
However, Payton’s affinity for Bryant went beyond surface-level comparisons.
“There’s little things that we’re coaching up. But you like what you see. I like what I see. And so, he’s tough. And look, there’s things that … you’re immediately on these guys, and that’s good to great. That’s coaching. But interview him, be around him. It’s so important to him,” Payton told reporters following mandatory minicamp in June.
“I would say that’s probably the case with so many of these young guys. It’s not an accident. There’s a profile we’re looking for. And it’s not easy, always. Sometimes that requires more trips and visits. But we’re looking for a certain profile.”
Payton name-dropped Bryant when praising Harvey ahead of the Broncos’ Week 11 showdown against the Chiefs, saying they were “watching Pat Bryant grow right in front of our eyes.”
Bryant can follow up his strong outing in Week 13 against the Washington Commanders.
