Big Blow for the Lions: Levi Onwuzurike Out for the Season 😔
The Detroit Lions just took a gut punch before the season even got going. Promising defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike is officially done for the year after undergoing significant surgery to repair an ACL injury.
At first, the team thought it might be a back issue (something he’s battled before), but head coach Dan Campbell confirmed over the weekend that it’s way more serious — Levi’s out for the entire 2025 season.
“Levi’s surgery was significant, but it had to be done,” Campbell told reporters. “Totally out of his control.”
This one stings. With Alim McNeill and rookie Mekhi Wingo already sidelined, Onwuzurike was expected to step up in a big way. Now? Detroit’s defensive line is looking dangerously thin just as training camp kicks off.
And the injury report doesn’t stop there.
The team also kept defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, linebacker Alex Anzalone, and linebacker Anthony Pittman off the practice field on Sunday. Luckily, Coach Dan says those are just minor issues — nothing long-term.
Meanwhile, the Lions placed a handful of key players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Friday. That includes:
* Left tackle Taylor Decker
* Cornerback Khalil Dorsey
* Offensive lineman Miles Frazier
* Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez
* Defensive linemen Alim McNeill & Mekhi Wingo
All of them can still be activated during camp and won’t count against the 90-man roster limit while they’re out.
There’s also edge rusher Josh Paschal and DB Stantley Thomas-Oliver, who landed on the non-football injury list. Paschal, in particular, might miss a little more time — Campbell’s expecting him back around early September.
There is one bright spot, though: Taylor Decker’s shoulder injury seems minor. “We just had it cleaned out a bit,” Campbell said. “He’s in a good place.” The hope is to get him back right after the July 31 Hall of Fame Game against the Chargers.
So yeah, it’s been a rough week for the Lions’ defense, but there’s still time to regroup before things get serious. Fingers crossed this is the worst of it. 🦁💥
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