The Lions got an EDGE in free agency with the signing of DJ Wonnum. He is a player that is healthy now, but had to overcome a serious medical issue in 2024 involving a MRSA infection and blood clots.

Here are some excerpts from my analysis of Wonnum’s medical history and quad injury complications.

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(The following information and analysis is based on available public information. Age in parentheses is at start of 2026 season.)

DJ Wonnum, EDGE (28)

Contract: 1 year, $ pending

Concern level 3/10

2025: 17/18 games played. Hip injury, missed 1 game.

2024: 8/17 games. Missed first 9 games of season in recovery from complications of left quad injury.

Wonnum’s quad injury was significant, but he has been very reliable since his recovery from complications of the quad surgery. He also has a significant ankle issue in his remote past but has proven himself for many years in the NFL since. His age is creeping up (29 in October) but is fine for a 1-year free agent.

Now, let’s dive into Wonnum’s quad injury…

What is the timeline of Wonnum’s quad injury and complications?

Here is the link to the video of DJ Wonnum discussing his quad injury complications.

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I have put together an estimated timeline based on Wonnum’s statements. Starting at the beginning…

December 24, 2023: Partially torn left quad. Surgery within days.

The surgical stitches were rejected by his body and required another surgery to address the issue.

May/June 2024: Developed MRSA infection in quad which required a 3rd surgery.

June 2024: PICC line was placed for 6 weeks to deliver intravenous (IV) antibiotics daily to combat MRSA infection.

July 2024: The PICC line caused blood clots.

Given anticoagulant medication to treat the blood clots.

October 2024: Discontinued the anticoagulants.

November 10, 2024: Returned to play after missing first nine games of the season.

Now, let’s break down the medical details…

What problems did Wonnum have with the sutures?

The sutures that likely caused the problem were the absorbable type that are buried under the skin. Wonnum likely had an inflammatory, foreign-body reaction to the sutures, which can cause redness and pus discharge. This necessitated surgery to address the issue.

What is MRSA?

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant staph aureus, which is a bacteria that has become a very common cause of skin infections over the past 2+ decades. These kind of skin infections can develop into severe abscesses and need urgent medical attention.

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A MRSA skin infection is one of the most commonly treated medical issues at an urgent care clinic. As an urgent care doctor, I have treated MRSA infections countless number of times by performing procedures to drain the infection and/or initiating antibiotics. Due to MRSA’s resistance to some antibiotics, the selection of the proper antibiotic is critical.

Wonnum developed a MRSA skin infection at the surgical site in the quad which likely required surgical incision to drain the infection.

For more on the PICC line, blood clots, anticoagulants, and Wonnum’s outlook for 2026, read my full story here.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: DJ Wonnum overcame severe medical issues before joining Detroit Lions