Before the Detroit Lions could even strap on their practice helmets, they’ve been hit with a significant roster shake-up. Standout defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike is set to miss the entire 2025 season following surgery for a torn ACL. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the news on Sunday as the team gathered for the start of training camp.
“Levi’s surgery was significant, but it needed to be done,” Campbell shared. “Out of his control, but needed to be done, so he will miss the season.”
This setback is a tough pill to swallow for Onwuzurike, who showcased resilience last season after returning from spinal fusion surgery that sidelined him in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, he was a key component of the Lions’ front, starting 10 games, racking up 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and recording a personal best with 13 hits on opposing quarterbacks.
A Glance at the Lions’ Defensive Woes
To say the Lions are dealing with injury woes on their defensive line would be an understatement. Veteran Alim McNeill finds himself on the active/PUP list, recovering from an ACL tear from back in Week 15 of last year. Joining him is rookie Mekhi Wingo, who’s mending a torn meniscus. Neither player is on the reserve list, so in theory, they could return to action soon, but it’s a fine line the Lions are treading on the defensive front.
This situation thrusts rookie Tyleik Williams into a much more prominent role than anticipated. The first-round pick from Ohio State has the raw talent to make an impact, but for a rookie, stepping into such big shoes right from the get-go is no small task.
“You don’t like to lose anybody,” Campbell lamented. “Certainly, losing Levi, that hurts, but it helps that we’ve got Tyleik, so we’ve got a little bit of balance here.”
The PUP list doesn’t stop there for Detroit. Veteran left tackle Taylor Decker, along with cornerback Khalil Dorsey, guard Miles Frazier, and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, are also sidelined as they recover from various injuries. However, Campbell sounds optimistic about Decker’s quick return after the Hall of Fame Game against the Chargers on July 31.
“He’s good. He just cleaned out the shoulder a little bit,” Campbell noted. “We’re going to work him back when he’s ready to go.”
It’s not the lineup the Lions envisioned as they look to build on their NFC Championship run from last season. With Kelvin Sheppard stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Glenn, the challenge is set with a front line that’s already feeling the pinch from injuries.
Training camp hasn’t even begun in earnest, and yet, it feels like the Lions are already scrambling to hold the line.
