The Detroit Lions begin training camp on Saturday, July 19. Prior to the start of camp, though, Detroit announced that multiple players would be missing the start of camp due to injuries. On Thursday, it was confirmed that OT Taylor Decker, CB Khalil Dorsey, OG Miles Frazier, DL Alim McNeill, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, and DL Mekhi Wingo were placed on the Active Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
DL Josh Pasch and CB Stantley-Thomas-Oliver were placed on the active NFI list, while DT Levi Onwuzurike was placed on the reserve PUP List.
The following players are declared physical unable to perform:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 17, 2025
OT Taylor Decker, CB Khalil Dorsey, OG Miles Frazier, DL Alim McNeill, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, DL Mekhi Wingo
The following players are declared non-football injury:
DL Josh Paschal, CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
The… pic.twitter.com/6cMCdWaWv8
Players like McNeil and Rodriguez were expected to miss time after the injuries they suffered last season. However, Onwuzurike's injury has caught Lions fans off guard. The 27-year-old was meant to be a part of the solution for McNeil during his absence.
But, now with him set to miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season and all the other defensive line injuries, the Lions likely need to sign a remaining free agent who can fill the same role as Onwuzurike. Luckily for Detroit, there is one player remaining on the market who is a hybrid defensive tackle/end, DeMarcus Walker.
Lions Should Sign DeMarcus Walker in Wake of Levi Onwuzurike's Injury
Lions fans are familiar with Walker as he's spent the past two seasons in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears. As a Bear, Walker recorded 77 tackles, 16 TFLs, seven sacks, 24 QB hits, 54 QB hurries, and 86 QB pressures, according to PFF.
Although the 30-year-old mainly plays defensive end, he would kick inside to defensive tackle on third downs occasionally. While Walker doesn't provide an every-down replacement for Onwuzurike at defensive tackle, having him on third downs would be useful.
Furthermore, Walker would provide another body in the defensive end rotation. Even though many Lions fans want to see the team bring back Za'Darius Smith to be a part of the edge rotation, Walker may be the better option.
No matter how you look at it, general manager Brad Holmes' hand is now forced to go out and add more talent on the defensive line during the first few weeks of training camp.