Lions Lose Onwuzurike for Season as Rookie Tyleik Williams Becomes Key Starter on Injury-Hit Line

Levi Onwuzurike
Levi Onwuzurike (NFL)

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike will miss the entire 2025 season following surgery to repair a torn ACL. Initially placed on the reserve/PUP list, which sidelined him for the first four games, Campbell officially declared Onwuzurike’s season over. Campbell emphasized the severity of the injury, noting that the surgery was necessary and beyond the player’s control.

Lions Defensive Line Hit Hard By Injuries, Depth Concerns Grow Before Training Camp Begins

Onwuzurike was a key contributor to the Lions’ defensive line in 2024, appearing in all 16 games with 10 starts. He recorded 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and 13 quarterback hits. His loss is a significant blow to a defense already dealing with depth issues. The Lions will now have to adjust their strategy up front without one of their more experienced linemen.

Tyleik Williams
Tyleik Williams (NFL)

The defensive line is further weakened as Alim McNeill, another starting lineman, begins camp on the PUP list while recovering from his own ACL injury from late last season. Rookie Mekhi Wingo is also sidelined as he recovers from a torn meniscus. With multiple players unavailable, Detroit enters training camp shorthanded on the defensive front.

Rookie Tyleik Williams Steps Up as Injuries Test Lions’ Defensive Line Depth Early

With the top linemen out, rookie Tyleik Williams is expected to take on a critical role early in his NFL career. Drafted in the first round out of Ohio State, Williams now has a fast-tracked path to significant playing time. The Lions will need to quickly evaluate and develop additional depth along the line as they prepare for the regular season.

The 2025 season begins with a tough test for new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who was promoted after Aaron Glenn’s departure. Having previously served as the linebackers coach, Sheppard brings continuity, but he inherits a unit already dealing with injury setbacks. Managing a depleted defensive line will be his first major challenge as the Lions aim to avoid a repeat of last year’s injury-plagued campaign.