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.