Allen Park — Getting benched is hardly insignificant, but relatively speaking, it's only a small bump in the road Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah has traveled these past 15 months.
As part of a roster built on overcoming adversity, Okudah is a poster child.
After suffering a devastating Achilles tendon tear in the 2021 season opener, he managed to power through rehab quickly enough to take the field for this year's opener.
And he hasn't just played — he's played well. The former No. 3 overall pick established himself as one of the league's premier run defenders and tacklers at his position, all while holding his own in coverage.