The Detroit Lions are gearing up for their playoff push, and unlike last year, it might be their defense that leads the way. Kelvin Sheppard has helped Detroit field one of the best defenses in football in his first year as coordinator, and their success could only be beginning as they continue to get players back from injury.

One of the latest is cornerback DJ Reed, who has been out since injuring his hamstring during a Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. While the Lions have been cautious with Reed’s recovery, he was placed on injured reserve and used his full 21-day window, head coach Dan Campbell told the media on Wednesday, including Lions team reporter Dannie Rogers, that he’s “hopeful” Reed will play in the Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants and “will know more with full speed practices this week.”

DJ Reed’s Return Gives Lions Huge Lift Entering Critical Stretch

If Reed can play on Sunday, it would be another boost for the Lions’ defense. Detroit has welcomed back defensive tackle Alim McNeill and activated linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez from the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday. But there are still a few players remaining on the sidelines, including safety Kerby Joseph, edge rusher Marcus Davenport, and starting cornerback Terrion Arnold.

While all of those players have the potential to make an impact down the stretch, Reed could be included in that group. After signing a three-year, $48 million contract in free agency, Reed posted a 71.8 overall grade and a 68.1 coverage grade in the first four games, according to Pro Football Focus. His coverage numbers have also been solid, allowing 11 catches for 136 yards, with an interception and two pass breakups on 18 targets.

Although Campbell didn’t guarantee that Reed would play against the New York Giants, it felt like a formality after he sat out Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Reed’s return also comes at a crucial part of the schedule. While they’ll host the 2-9 Giants on Sunday, they’ll have a Thanksgiving showdown with the Green Bay Packers before hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 4, the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 14, and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 21.

With that gauntlet on the horizon, the Lions will probably be happy to reverse roles from last year when 13 defensive starters landed on injured reserve to end the season. Assuming Reed returns on Sunday, it’s just one piece of the puzzle and could help the Lions get back into the playoff picture and make a bid at a third straight division title.