Detroit Lions have activated rookie third-round EDGE Julian Okwara from injured reserve.
No corresponding move was required at this time because EDGE Everson Griffin remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Lions had previously been replacing Griffen’s roster spot with COVID-19 exemption elevations the last two weeks — Bobby Price in Week 14 and Alex Myers in Week 15.
Okwara injured his right leg early in the Lions’ Week 6 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was placed on injured reserve the following week. Despite being eligible to return after Week 9, Okwara needed more time to heal and didn’t begin practicing until Week 13.
Once Okwara began practicing on December 2nd, a 21-day evaluation clock started, meaning the Lions need to make a decision on his roster status by today. Their options were to place him on season-ending injured reserve, release him, or place him on the active roster — obviously choosing the latter.
Getting the athletic pass rusher back for the final two weeks could be an exciting opportunity for fans to get a look at his potential.
But there is also potentially a reason for fans to hold back their excitement on Okwara’s return for the time being.
While Okwara is back on the 53-man roster, it does not necessarily mean he is ready to play. It’s entirely possible the Lions made this move because they did not like the other two options and they still require more time to evaluate him or he needs more time to heal.
At the time of this article, it’s not clear which scenario is correct, but we should receive a bit more clarity tomorrow at interim coach Darrell Bevell’s press conference and when Wednesday’s practice report is released.