ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are expecting to get one of their key pieces back on the defensive line this week . But they were missing veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader on Thursday.

Alim McNeill is set to return from the ACL injury that’s kept him off the field since last December. Reader was listed as a non-participant at Thursday’s practice with a back injury.

The starting defensive tackle was spotted on the side working with trainers in the open practice window. The 31-year-old is coming off a season-high 43 defensive snaps against the Kansas City Chiefs last week. Reader has played an average of 60.4% of the team’s defensive plays this year, so the workload has been high with McNeill out.

The Lions were also missing cornerback Terrion Arnold (shoulder), safety Kerby Joseph (kn

See Full Page