Injured Walker touches base with Lions teammates
Defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker joined the Lions for Monday’s game against the Saints, one of the few times he’s been with his teammates since suffering a season-ending injury in Week 4.
A native of New Iberia, La. who spent three years with the Saints, Walker said he’s been rehabbing his broken fibula and dislocated ankle in New Orleans, so he showed up for the Monday night game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
“It’s been a little tough,” Walker said of overcoming the injuries, “but it’s good to see the guys out here and stuff.”
While many of the Lions who are on injured reserve have stayed in Detroit and participate in team activities, Walker has been doing his recovery out of town. Coach Jim Caldwell said a couple weeks ago that Walker spending his time elsewhere matters little. The most important thing is that he gets healthy, and Walker has already started doing exercises in the pool.
“It’s coming along good,” he said.
Walker also joked that rehabbing in New Orleans leaves the training room in Detroit free for the Lions players who need it.
Walker, who started the first four games for the Lions this year, doesn’t know when he’ll be ready to participate in football activities again. Considering he joined the Lions on a one-year deal last offseason, the injury could be a deterrent in free agency, but Walker said he’s not thinking about his future yet.
“Not at all,” he said. “I’ve got to rehab, man. I’ve got to get right.”
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