Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara optimistic he’ll play this season

As he progresses in his recovery from a torn Achilles, Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara is optimistic.

After he led the Detroit Lions in sacks in 2020, with 10, Romeo Okwara had his 2021 campaign end early due to a torn Achilles in Week 4. That puts him on a slightly different recovery timeline than teammate Jeff Okudah, who suffered his torn Achilles in Week 1 last season and was ready to go for the start of training camp with little or no restriction.

Okwara is on the PUP list as training camp goes on, and it seems he’s a candidate to start the season on the PUP list. That would cost him at least the first four games, almost exactly a year removed from his injury at that point.

On Wednesday, Okwara talked to the media. He cited the challenges his injury has presented.

"It’s definitely one of the hardest years I’ve ever had to deal with,” Okwara said Wednesday. “This is my first major injury playing the sport. It’s definitely been a mental challenge, and physically, of course."

Romeo Okwara optimistic he’ll play this season

Okwara has started running as he progresses in his recovery. He said he has drawn encouragement from Okudah’s progress, as the two have become close during the rehab process.

Exactly when Okwara will be ready to go isn’t clear. He won’t make a prediction for his return timetable, but did say he expects it to be sometime this season. In general, he’s optimistic about his recovery.

"I’m very confident,” Okwara said. “Guys go through this surgery all the time, especially in recent years. I’m very, very optimistic with my recovery.”"

When Okwara is able to play this season, and it should be when and not ‘if’, he’ll offer an extra boost to a Lions’ pass rush that’s expected to be a lot better.