Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed hasn’t taken a snap since Week 4, but judging by his energy on Friday, you’d think he never left. He’s officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s showdown with the New York Giants, yet every indication suggests he plans to suit up — and he sounds like a man itching to play.

And truthfully, the timing couldn’t be much better

‘Gratitude’ — Reed on what returning means to him

Reed made it clear that simply being back at practice hit him in the heart.

“For me, it’s all gratitude,” he said. “Just being out there with my teammates again… I’m really happy to be back, but now I want to dominate and help us win.”

He admitted that nothing quite replaces true game reps.

“You can run, you can practice, you can do everything — but until you’re actually out there in a game, that’s when you really get yourself ready.”

In other words, he expects a quick warm-up period — but he’s confident he’ll find his rhythm fast

‘I was in my bag’ — Reed felt he was ascending before the injury

Reed didn’t hesitate to bring up how well he was playing before his wrist sidelined him.

“I definitely felt like things were clicking,” he said. “Against Baltimore, I felt I had a really strong game covering Zay Flowers… and I thought I played well versus Jerry Jeudy too. I was getting into a groove and even got my first pick the game I got hurt.”

That’s exactly why he’s so eager to return: he felt himself elevating, and he wants to pick up right where he left off.

“Yeah, I’ll have to get that groove back… maybe I’m a little rusty, but I’m excited to go out there and still dominate.

A message for Rock Ya-Sin and the DBs: ‘I want to crank it up with my guys’

If you’re wondering how Reed felt about Detroit’s secondary clamping down A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith last weekend, he didn’t hold back:

“I told Rock that what they did against A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith… I haven’t seen anyone do that on tape,” Reed said. “Usually if you shut one down, the other one goes crazy. But they held both as well as anybody has. Shoutout to them — they’re legit starters in this league.”

And then came the quote Lions fans will latch onto:

“I can’t wait to get back out there and turn up with my boys.”

‘Perfect timing’ — Lions defensive backs finally nearing full health

Reed also brought up the bigger picture: Detroit’s secondary might be approaching full strength with Kerby Joseph and Terrion Arnold both trending upward.

I’m excited for us to get healthy, especially with the stretch we’re about to go on,” he said. “One game at a time. This week is the championship — the Giants.”

A nearly full defensive backfield heading into a three-game homestand? Exactly what the Lions have been missing.

Will Reed play on Sunday?

Reed didn’t flat-out confirm it, but nothing about his tone hinted that he expects to sit.

If he’s active, he believes he can handle a normal snap load:

“If I need to play the whole game, I feel healthy enough to do that.”

The Lions need him. The defense needs him. And Reed clearly needs to be back with his squad.

Expect No. 4 to be in uniform. Expect the emotions to show. And expect him to bring the energy Detroit’s defense has been craving.