A lingering sports hernia, and subsequent surgery that put him on the PUP list to start training camp and into the season, set back Josh Paschal's rookie season from the start. Then after a Week 10 knee injury cost him two games, he played more than 20 snaps in a game once in his last six games.
But that's not to say Paschal didn't have some good moments, like two sacks in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears. He was trusted right away too, playing more than an 80 percent snap share in each of his first three games. But his rookie season went down as largely a learning experience, and one he'll benefit from heading into his second season.
Merely being healthy right now, which he of course wasn't at this time last year, is a big step.
Josh Paschal healthy and ready to have second-year breakout?
Via SI.com, Paschal talked about the difference of having had a fully healthy offseason and how he feels he can make an impact for the Lions this season.
"It does feel different, just because I'm out here right now. Had a full offseason, you know?" Paschal told reporters. "Get ready for the upcoming season. And, I'm just ready to put in the work. I'm thankful to be out here right now. That's the biggest difference right now, is me being healthy and out here.""Josh Paschal
"I can make the biggest impact just being versatile, being able to play on the edge, help set edges to stop run plays,” said Paschal. "And, to be able to come inside and rush the passer, to be able to be that twitchy guy, up front (and) in the middle"Josh Paschal
During OTAs back in May, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn conveyed the high hopes that are in place for Paschal heading into the season.
" I mean this is a guy, when you think about his path, like he really didn’t get a chance to have an OTA last year because he was injured. He really didn’t have much of a training camp because he was injured. I think he only played eight games, if I’m correct. So, we’re expecting that player to be the player that we drafted in the second round..."Aaron Glenn
Paschal will be battling with veterans Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris for snaps off the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and John Cominsky is similarly able to play on the edge and inside. But there is room for the 2022 second-round pick to take a noteworthy step in 2023.