Detroit Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike is officially out for the entire 2025 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed as training camp opened in Allen Park.
The injury, which had been lingering for some time, required significant medical attention. While the team initially placed Onwuzurike on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin camp—sidelining him for at least four games—Campbell revealed on Sunday that the situation is far more serious.
“Levi’s surgery was significant,” Campbell said. “It needed to be done. It was out of his control, but he’ll miss the year.”
The news hits hard considering Onwuzurike re-signed with the Lions on a one-year, $4 million deal this offseason after delivering a breakout 2024 campaign. In 16 games (10 starts), he tallied 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a career-best 13 QB hits, and a forced fumble—emerging as a disruptive force on Detroit’s defensive line.
This injury adds to a growing list of setbacks for the Lions, who placed several other players on the active/PUP list, including Alim McNeill, Mekhi Wingo, Taylor Decker, Khalil Dorsey, Miles Frazier, and Malcolm Rodriguez. With Onwuzurike’s absence confirmed, Detroit’s defensive depth will now be tested before preseason even kicks off.
