Lions have just suffered a major blow, Losing Star pass rusher Romeo Okwara for the remainder of the 2021 NFL season.
It's been confirmed that Okwara suffered a Achilles Tear in Sundays loss against the Chicago Bears. Coming off a good performance against the Ravens. Detroit signed Romeo to a 3 year, 39 Million Dollar Deal in March. He lead the Lions defense In sacks and was a force to be reckoned with, even when it came to blocking field goals last season. Fortunately the Lions have solid depth behind Romeo, including 2nd round pick Levi Onwuzerike and Romeo Okwara's younger brother Julian Okwara, who hasn't seen much play time in the NFL.
Julian Okwara, was drafted 4th overall by Detroit in the 2020 NFL draft. Also drafted outta Notre Dame, Okwara was a highly thought of prospect, that drawn up some concern after suffering a gruesome season ending leg injury in college. Although it's unfortunate circumstances. Julian may finally get his big break and be able to make an impact on defense.
Back to Romeo Okwara... He had 10 sacks in 2020, he has 21 in his career. Through the first 4 games in 2021, he only had a single sack. This will be the first time since 2O19 that Okwara didn't get multiple sacks in a season. Okwara was still the leader upfront for Detroit and they will be missing him.
Romeo Okwara went undrafted In 2016. The New York Giants gave him a break by signing him as a UDFA. He only suited up for two season with the Giants and had just one sack with them. Detroit accuired Okwara in 2018. That season he broke out sacking the quarterback 7.5 times. One of those sacks was a forced fumble on Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in a game the Lions dominated, beating the Packers 31-23. Detroit sweept the Packers that season beating them again 31-0.
This could also give Trey Flowers a better opportunity to live up to the 90 million dollars the Lions have payed him. Flowers hasn't seen much play time. But, Flowers can finally play a HUGE ROLE for this Lions defense.
Detroit also lost 2020 3rd overall pick Jeff Okudah to the same injury Okwara suffered.
Lions so far are 0 - 4 and besides their impressive effort against the Baltimore Ravens, they have struggled defensively. More opportunities will come for the young defenseman on the Lions roster as the season progresses.
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