On Thursday afternoon, Detroit Lions fans learned that defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike would be starting training camp on the reserve/ Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. At that time, all fans knew was that he would be out for the first four games of the 2025 season.
That said, head coach Dan Campbell provided a huge update on Onwuzurike following the Lions' first day of training camp on Sunday.
According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, Campbell said, "Levi's surgery was significant, but it needed to be done. Out of his control, but needed to be done, so he will miss the season." This offseason, the 27-year-old defender underwent knee surgery to repair his ACL.
STORY: #Lions' Levi Onwuzurike to miss 2025 season after ACL surgery https://t.co/S9shjuOyz7
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 20, 2025
Levi Onwuzurike Set to Miss 2025 Season Following Knee Surgery
At the start of free agency, Detroit re-signed Onwuzurike to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million. His extension came after a bounce-back season in 2024.
In 2024, Onwuzurike recorded 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 13 quarterback hits. Furthermore, the 27-year-old recorded 29 QB hurries and 45 QB pressures, according to PFF.
The year prior, Onwuzurike missed six games because of a lingering back injury. This came after missing the whole 2022 season due to spinal fusion surgery. Therefore, it stood to reason that many fans thought he could be missing the start of training camp due to another back injury.
Although that's not the case, Onwuzurike being out the whole season is a huge blow to the Lions' defensive line. Last season, Detroit's defensive lines struggled to create pressure without Aidan Hutchinson. With Hutchinson back, the Lions' defensive line was set to be in a better position.
However, with Onwuzurike now out for the season and Alim McNeil set to be out for the first half of the season, Detroit has another hole on its defensive line to fill. While the free agent pool is thin at this point in the offseason, there is at least one player Detroit could sign to replace what
Onwuzurike brings to the table.
Though general manager Brad Holmes has been steady in his belief in the defensive line this offseason, his hand is likely now being forced to add more talent to the unit.