Levi Onwuzurike will miss entire 2025 season due to surgery

The Lions will be without one of their most flexible defensive linemen for the entire 2025 season.

Levi Onwuzurike out for entire 2025 season after ACL surgery

The Detroit Lions will be without defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike for the entirety of the 2025 season. Earlier this week, the Lions placed Onwuzurike on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, indicating he would miss at least four games. However, coach Dan Campbell confirmed on Sunday that Onwuzurike would miss the entire year due to an ACL injury that required surgery. This loss is significant for the Lions, as Onwuzurike was expected to be a starter. The team will already be missing Alim McNeill, who is recovering from his own ACL injury. Other players like DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, and first-round pick Tyleik Williams will now be relied upon. Despite the setback, coach Campbell remains optimistic about the team's depth, mentioning other returning players like Josh Paschal.

The Lions face a challenging season ahead without Onwuzurike, a key piece of their defensive strategy. His absence not only tests the team's depth but also raises questions about his future with Detroit, given his history of injuries. The reliance on younger players adds both risk and opportunity for growth, as the Lions aim to maintain performance while adjusting to significant roster changes. As the season progresses, it will be crucial for the coaching staff to cultivate talent and adapt defensive strategies to compensate for these losses.

Highlights

This season will be a pivotal test for the Lions' defensive strategy and depth.