ALLEN PARK — Josh Paschal returning to Detroit Lions practice happened even quicker than Dan Campbell had anticipated.
When speaking to reporters a week ago, Campbell finally shared that the young defensive end was nursing a back injury after weeks of speculation about why he remained on the non-football injury list. He added that Paschal had “a few more things to show” before they opened his practice window.
Less than a week later, Paschal returned to the Lions’ practice field, with the team officially opening his 21-day window. When discussing Paschal’s progression since returning to the field, Campbell admitted he may have jumped the gun.
“I kind of dropped the ball on that one,” Campbell laughed. “Because that was literally — right after we talked about that, I think I went up to my office like, (and I’m told) ‘Hey, Paschal’s ready to go.’ I was like, ‘What? OK, that’s great news.’ So that’s my fault.”
The Lions’ pass-rush rotation has been thin with both Paschal and Marcus Davenport sidelined. With Detroit opting not to make a move to add depth at the trade deadline, Paschal’s pending return comes at a perfect time.
Playing 14 games last season (10 starts), Paschal logged 21 tackles, five tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
While he’ll likely need a ramp-up period in practice and may be on a snap count when he officially returns, Paschal could prove to be a vital piece for the Lions’ pass rush down the stretch.
“He looks great. As you would expect, a little bit sore,” Campbell shared. “But he got a really good day on Wednesday, did a little individual yesterday. We probably won’t have him practice today, but then he’ll be roaring next week again. But, very much like (Lions DL Alim McNeill) Mac, he was in there on Wednesday like tearing it up, really pushing our guys, which is good.
“He’s ready to go. I mean, he misses it. It’s been a while. Looks good. So yes, we’ve started his clock.”
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