After suffering a heartbreaking loss to the 49ers in the season opener, the Detroit Lions received some unfortunate news on Monday morning. An MRI revealed that Jeff Okudah sustained a ruptured Achilles, ending his season.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the news.

It’s a significant blow for the Lions. Okudah had a sensational training camp. Because of that, there were high expectations for his second season.

Okudah left early in the fourth quarter during the Lions’ 41-33 loss to the 49ers. After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell alluded to Okudah possibly having this injury.

“Yeah, we’re checking him out now,” said Campbell. “We know obviously it’s somewhere around the ankle, could be Achilles. We’ll know a lot more this afternoon, hopefully, or tomorrow morning.”

Lions Jeff Okudah — Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah walks off the field due to an injury during the second half of the 41-33 loss to the 49ers Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021.

With Okudah out, expect the Lions to turn to rookies Ifeatu Melifonwu or AJ Parker to fill that void. Additionally, expect the Lions to turn to free agency to possibly add another piece.

The Lions selected Okudah last year with the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Hopefully, for the Lions and Okudah, he’ll have a healthy recovery. The former Ohio State Buckeye will now turn to next season for his breakout year. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and secondary coach Aubrey Pleasant raved about Okudah all offseason. Now, both will have to wait another year to work with the young talent.

Follow Kory Woods on Twitter at KoryEWoods.