Detroit Lions defensive end Josh Paschal shared the reason for his absence from the past two games during a conversation with reporters on Wednesday.

He revealed that a recent check-up uncovered a non-cancerous mass in his shoulder, which required surgical removal.

The information was reported by Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, who outlined Paschal’s health journey and his expected return to the field.

Paschal explained that the discovery of the mass led to medical intervention, which caused him to miss the previous two games.

Fortunately, the mass was non-cancerous, providing some relief in an otherwise difficult situation.

He remains optimistic about his recovery and is hopeful to be back on the field this Sunday when the Lions face the Houston Texans.

This health issue is especially significant for Paschal, who has already battled serious medical challenges in the past.

During his sophomore year at Kentucky, he missed much of the season while undergoing treatment for malignant melanoma on his left foot.

His ability to overcome that obstacle has been an inspiration, and now, he’s facing this new hurdle with the same determination to return to playing the game he loves.

As the Lions prepare for their matchup against the Texans, the potential return of Paschal would provide a much-needed boost to the team’s defense.

The Lions have been performing exceptionally well this season with a 7-1 record, and Paschal’s return to full health could further enhance their efforts as they aim for a deep playoff run.

His resilience and recovery continue to serve as a testament to his commitment to the game and his team.