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.