The return of Romeo Okwara will be a big boost for the Detroit Lions' defensive line.
The veteran defensive end returned to practice Wednesday, which begins his 21-day return-to-practice window.
Over the course of the next 21 days, the Lions will have to decide whether to activate him or return him to the injured reserve list.
Okwara has missed the entire season to this point, while recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 4 of the 2021 season against the Chicago Bears.
The seventh-year NFL veteran was in good spirits speaking with local reporters Thursdsy, as he nears his 2022 debut.
“Yeah, it’s been great to get back out there with the team,” Okwara said. “After like 13 months being out, it’s been a long time doing physical therapy. So, I’m just really glad to be back.”
Okwara said he had been rehabbing hard throughout the season and finally got the green light to return from his surgeon in a meeting last week. Now that he’s back on the practice field, he feels as though a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.
“It was a huge relief,” Okwara noted. “This has been a long, long, long, long journey, and I just feel really blessed and lucky to be able to come back and be with the team.”
Okwara said it was the first time he’d undergone a major surgery, so the length of recovery was frustrating for him at times throughout the process. The 2021 season was set up to be a strong one for him, as he was coming off a 10-sack season and a freshly-inked contract.
“It was definitely really frustrating, because it was my first time really kind of going through something like this,” Okwara said. “I never really went through a major injury or surgery before, so it was kind of a first for everything. But, I don’t know, trusted the process along the way. I had really good trainers that kind of guided me and took me along this journey. So, I just feel really lucky to be where I am now.”
The 27-year-old said he’s uncertain exactly when his season debut will come, but added that he plans to bring his best when he’s called upon.
“Everything I’ve got, that’s all I can promise,” Okwara quipped when asked what he can bring to the defense. “I’m just really excited to be out there with the guys and just kind of enjoy being out at practice again. Because that’s my happy place.”
Having dealt with an Achilles' injury, the veteran defender said he has spoken with injured teammate Tracy Walker III. Walker suffered a torn Achilles of his own in Week 3 of the 2022 season, and will miss the remainder of the campaign.
“I’ve talked to Tracy a little bit, and he’s going through the same process me and Jeff (Okudah) went through,” Okwara said. “He has a great support system around him on the team and at home. It’s just one of those things where you’ve gotta put your head down and go through the process. And, you’ll be alright at the end of it.”
Aidan Hutchinson is a 'monster'
In his absence, the Lions have leaned on young players to fill the void. Rookies Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal have started each of the last four games. Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, currently leads all rookies in sacks (5.5).
When asked about Hutchinson, Okwara referred to him with high praise.
“Man, he’s a monster,” Okwara said. “I mean, he works really, really hard in practice, and I could tell when he first got here that he was gonna be really special. So, it’s been really fun watching him develop along the season, and he’s made some really good plays for us as you guys can see.”
Teammates share excitement for his return
Okwara will share the field with his brother Julian, who is coming off a two-sack game against the Bears in last week’s win. Julian, the younger of the two, said the team is making sure his older brother gets his 40 up-downs in.
“He’s had a tough year dealing with the injury and stuff,” Julian said. “I’m just excited to see him back out there moving around. We definitely missed him, missed his energy. I’m sure the guys did, too. It adds a little boost to our defensive line, so I’m definitely looking forward to him getting back out there and moving around. Super proud of how he overcame the trials of the Achilles' injury and stuff like that.”
One of Julian’s two sacks was the game-winner, as he wrestled down Chicago signal-caller Justin Fields. Upon seeing that, his older brother was excited.
“He had some pretty good plays last week,” Romeo said. “It was fun to watch, it was really fun to watch. Made me wish I was out there.”
Defensive tackle Alim McNeill also expressed his excitement with the return of Romeo.
“Romeo’s an elite pass rusher,” McNeill said. “Very elite pass rusher, very elite in the run game. He uses his hands really well. Overall, he’s a vet. He’s an experienced guy, and he’s been through a lot of things out there. With him coming back from his injury, I feel like he’s gonna be even more hungry. We’re adding him back, a very elite pass rusher for sure.”
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