Lions Lose Defensive Starter Before Training Camp
The Detroit Lions had a 2024 riddled with injuries, and are now kicking off the 2025 season with more of the same. Defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike will be missing the entirety of this season. This comes after Onwuzurike tore his ACL and underwent successful surgery. Originally, the Lions would have placed Onwuzurike on the injured reserve list earlier this week, only confirming he would be missing at least four games. However, head coach Dan Campbell clarified that the veteran will miss the entire season.
Detroit signed Onwuzurike to a one-year, four-million-dollar contract earlier this offseason. This would come after he finished last year with 28 tackles, one-and-a-half sacks, and a forced fumble. Despite this, with the new injury taking away this upcoming season, it could also be taking away his time with Detroit. Onwuzurike isn’t the only major blow to the Lions’ defensive line as well, with defensive tackle Alim McNeill also tearing his ACL in December and going to miss a significant portion of the season. The depth of the defensive line will be heavily tested, with top starters already being taken out before the season could even begin. Luckily for the Motor City, not all hope may be lost.
The Lions would use their first-round pick in the draft this year to take defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. The former Ohio State Buckeye would put on a show during his college career, totaling 136 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. Williams would also be a key part in the Buckeyes’ national championship win. Going into the draft, Williams was a projected top 20 pick, but ultimately fell into the hands of Detroit. They will also have returning players like defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who will look to make a huge jump this season to remain a starter for 2025. There is also a returning Aidan Hutchinson looming, after going down with a season-ending injury last year in Week Six. Onwuzurike may have been put on the shelf and thrown the Lions into a tough situation, but the team will look to rely on their brand-new draft pick and returning players to attack opposing teams’ Quarterbacks.
