Lions second-year cornerback Jeff Okudah is out for the season with a ruptured Achilles, and he has posted to social media to offer an update on his recovery process.
After being drafted third overall by the Lions in the 2020 draft, cornerback Jeff Okudah battled injuries throughout his rookie season and he ultimately missed the final four games after groin surgery.
When Okudah was on the field as a rookie, he was not good. Pro Football Focus ranked him No.115 among cornerbacks in the league, as he allowed a 118.0 passer rating and a 77.4 percent completion rate in his coverage.
During the offseason, the news Okudah actually underwent core muscle surgery on both sides came.
Interesting detail on #Lions CB Jeff Okudah, who is healthy for camp: While he tore a core muscle on one side in ‘20, he actually had surgery to repair both by @DrWilliamMeyers. Meyers repaired the non-injured side for precaution because if you tear one, you often tear the other.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 21, 2021
There was a strong argument for Okudah being the Lions’ defensive player who would benefit most from a new coaching staff, and Aaron Glenn coming in as defensive coordinator.
But it was not to be, at least for now. Okudah suffered a ruptured Achilles in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, and he is out for the season.
An MRI confirmed #Lions CB Jeff Okudah suffered a ruptured Achilles, source said. Season over for last year's No. 3 overall pick, who was coming off a strong camp.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 13, 2021
Jeff Okudah offers update on recovery
On Thursday, Okudah posted an update on his recovery to his Instagram account.
"the comeback is always greater than the setback.Adversity. When I was drafted last year, I couldn’t have imagined all the challenges I would see in my first two seasons. Truthfully, dealing with injuries has been very difficult for me to cope with but I’ve managed to keep the faith in God’s plan. Everything I’ve been through in my life has prepared me for all of these obstacles.My middle name is Chidera, which in Igbo (🇳🇬), translates to “What God has destined for you, can’t be changed”. These days I’ve found some peace in knowing that not just the shitty days are inevitable, but the great ones are too.Thank you to my family, friends and all the fans for the support. On the tough days, the love you send my way keeps me going.”"