While he can't do everything he'd like to right now, Lions safety Tracy Walker is right on the recovery track he said he would be.
After leading the team in tackles in 2021, the 2022 season for Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker ended when he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. Right from the start, Walker set a goal to be on the field for OTAs heading toward the 2023 season.
Indeed, during last Thursday's OTA practice that was open to the media, there was Walker participating in individual and positional work. He was held out of team drills, just seven months after surgery.
Walker posted continuous positive updates about his recovery over the offseason. Not that he would have posted anything else, namely the most arduous parts of his rehab process. But it's all good news as he recovers, and he moves to re-establish his place in a now-refurbished Lions' secondary.
Lions safety Tracy Walker a 'man of his word' in recovery process from torn Achilles
Via SI.com, speaking at Thursday's OTA session, Walker pointed to meeting his expectations to be on the field at OTAs.
"I'm a man of my word. And, I still I stood on what I said. I said I was gonna come back, and I was gonna be able to participate in OTAs, which I'm doing," Walker said. "If it was up to me, I'll be running around around right now. But, it's not up to me. So, honestly, I'm just trying to stay focused and continue to just strive to be the best I can be. Like I said, I'm seven months post-op, and I feel great. I'm running around cutting and doing everything I need to be. It's just, it's not my time yet. So, I 'gotta' wait." "
Walker noted how he has to be patient, seven months removed from such a major injury. The Lions know very well how recovery from Achilles' injuries can differ (see Jeff Okudah and Romeo Okwara), so caution will be the word here with Walker. Especially during OTAs and minicamp.
Walker expects to be fully cleared for training camp, which will still be just nine months out from surgery. But, as expected, he is chomping at the bit to help the Lions take the next step this year.