The Detroit Lions were dealt a devastating blow on Sunday with the news that defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike will miss the entire 2025 season.
Head coach Dan Campbell made the announcement during a press conference on Sunday, according to The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy. Campbell went on to say that Onwuzurike’s injury is to his ACL and required surgery.
“Levi’s out for the year,” Campbell revealed. “Levi’s surgery, it was significant but it needed to be done. Out of his control and it needed to be done. So he will miss the season.”
Campbell added that he feels “pretty good” about the team’s defensive line depth, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News.
The news comes just days after Onwuzurike was unexpectedly placed on the PUP list to begin training camp. It’s a tough blow for both Onwuzurike and the Lions.
The former second-round pick has struggled with back issues and ineffective play during his career but finally managed to put together a strong season in 2024.
Detroit needed him more than ever this year thanks to the uncertainty surrounding fellow defensive lineman Alim McNeill, who is working his way back from a torn ACL.
McNeill is currently on the PUP list but still has a chance to play early in the season because he’s on the active/PUP, as opposed to the reserve/PUP that Onwuzurike was placed on.
With Onwuzurike gone for the season and McNeill’s status for Week 1 uncertain, the Lions will need even more from guys like rookie Tyleik Williams, sophomore Mekhi Wingo and veteran Roy Lopez, whose signing looks even better than it initially did.
