Breaking: Detroit Lions Lose Key Defensive Star for Entire 2025 Season to Major Injury
The Detroit Lions, a team that has rapidly risen to prominence under head coach Dan Campbell, have suffered a serious setback before their 2025 campaign has even kicked off. Despite being considered among the NFL’s top Super Bowl contenders, they will be without one of their key defensive contributors for the entirety of the season.
During the opening of training camp, Dan Campbell confirmed that defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike has been ruled out for the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL that required significant surgery.
“Levi’s surgery was major, but absolutely necessary,” Campbell told ESPN. “It’s unfortunate, and out of his hands, but it had to be done. He’ll be out for the year.”
This is a particularly painful loss for both the player and the team. Onwuzurike had just started to regain form last season, making a return from a spinal fusion procedure that wiped out his 2022 and 2023 seasons. He appeared in 10 games in 2024, recording 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 13 quarterback pressures — all career highs.
Unfortunately, the defensive line woes don’t stop there.
Veteran Alim McNeill, who tore his ACL late last season, is still recovering and has started training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Rookie defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo is also sidelined as he heals from a meniscus tear. While both are on the active/PUP list — meaning they can be brought back at any time — the Lions’ defensive front is looking increasingly thin.
As a result, rookie first-round pick Tyleik Williams will be asked to take on a bigger role than initially anticipated. The former Ohio State standout is highly talented, but relying on a rookie so heavily this early wasn’t part of the team’s original plan.
“It’s tough to lose someone like Levi,” Campbell admitted. “But having Tyleik here gives us some flexibility and hope.”
Adding to the injury list, the Lions have placed several other players on the PUP list, including starting left tackle Taylor Decker, cornerback Khalil Dorsey, offensive lineman Miles Frazier, and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. Campbell expressed optimism that Decker could return shortly after the team’s Hall of Fame Game matchup against the Chargers on July 31.
“He’s fine — just had his shoulder cleaned out,” said Campbell. “We’ll ease him back in when he’s ready.”
Still, for a team coming off a deep playoff run and hopeful for even more in 2025, this is a rocky start. New defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who replaces Aaron Glenn, is already being tested with a banged-up unit.
Training camp has barely begun, and the Lions are already scrambling to adjust.
