Julian Okwara returned to Detroit Lions practice Thursday for the first time in nearly a month, bolstering hopes he could play in the team’s season opener next week against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Okwara had been out since Aug. 5 with what Lions coach Dan Campbell described as a lower leg injury. He is expected to start at outside linebacker and play in situational packages as a pass rusher this fall.
The Lions held several key players out of practice Thursday, their final workout of the preseason. After a long weekend off, the team returns Monday to begin preparations for the Eagles.
Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu remain out for the Lions, though Melifonwu spent the open portion of practice working on the side with trainers. T.J. Hockenson, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Amani Oruwariye and Austin Bryant also sat out practice Thursday.
The Lions signed kicker Aldrick Rosas to the practice squad; Rosas spent the second half of last season on the team’s practice squad as well.
They have two practice squad spots left, which are expected to go to David Blough and Jermar Jefferson once they clear waivers.