The Lions just got a bite from the injury bug with training camp underway.
Detroit defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike will miss the 2025 NFL season due to having surgery on his ACL, head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Sunday.
"Let me start with Levi. Levi is out for the year," Campbell said. "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."
Onwuzurike, 27, appeared in 16 games for the Lions as he recorded 13 QB hits, 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one tackle for loss in 2024. Onwuzurike ranked top 15 in pressures and pass-rush win rate among interior defensive linemen last season with a minimum of 125 pass-rush attempts, per Pro Football Focus.
On Thursday, the Lions placed Onwuzurike on the reserve/physical unable to perform list. A few days later, Campbell ruled out the veteran DT for the rest of the '25 season.
The loss of Onwuzurike is a major blow for a defense that is expected to have Aidan Hutchinson back after the star pass rusher suffered a season-ending broken fibula and tibia in October. Veteran Alim McNeill, who is recovering from a torn ACL, is currently on the active/PUP list.
Campbell also said offensive tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) is expected to be back with the team after the Hall of Fame Game (July 31) against the Los Angeles Chargers.
With the loss of Onwuzurike, Detroit will lean on first-round pick Tyleik Williams, sixth-round selection Ahmed Hassanein, Brodric Martin, D.J. Reader and others to fill in.
