Josh Paschal's inspirational return to football is almost complete

After a long and difficult journey, Detroit Lions pass rusher Josh Paschal is on the verge of returning to the field.

On Wednesday, Paschal's 21-day practice clock opened up with his return to practice. Paschal has missed the entire season after being treated for malignant melanoma, after a non-cancerous mass was found on his shoulder a year ago. On top of that, it was revealed last week that a back injury had also kept him sidelined.

Paschal previously underwent a similar treatment for a malignant melanoma in his foot in 2018 and had been receiving yearly cancer check-ups ever since. The Lions chronicled Paschal's recovery from his first bout with malignant melanoma and his inspirational journey to the NFL in the latest episode of "Inside the Den," which was released at the end of October as a part of the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative.

Paschal practiced on Wednesday, but his return won't be immediate. The Lions are expected to take advantage of the full 21-day practice window for both him and rookie offensive lineman Miles Frazier, whose practice window also opened up this week. Afterward, they can designate Paschal's return to the 53-man roster, or leave him on the NFI (non-football injury/illness) list for the remainder of the season. If Paschal were to return, it's possible it could be on Thanksgiving against the Green Bay Packers or the following Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Paschal's return shores up a position of need

The potential return of Paschal would add some needed depth at a position that was a focal point of trade deadline rumors and fantasies. Through three seasons so far, Paschal has started 18 games, including ten this past season. For his career, Paschal has 5.0 sacks, along with 15 QB hits.

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Paschal is not expected to see significant snaps upon his return as Al-Quadin Muhammad has excelled in the pass-rushing role opposite Aidan Hutchinson, becoming one of the better pass rushers league-wide. Marcus Davenport and rookie Ahmed Hassanein, both out with pectoral injuries, are expected to return in some capacity this season as well, giving the Lions plenty of pass-rushing depth heading into the late season and playoffs.

Regardless of how much playing time Paschal gets, his return is nothing short of remarkable and inspirational. His continued presence at practice alone will be a massive morale boost for the team, but simply practicing won't be enough for Paschal. He wants to play in games. After everything he's been through, it would be foolish to doubt him.