Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike has a spinal condition that will force the second-year player for the Detroit Lions to miss the entire 2025 NFL season. He is recovering from major knee surgery after damaging his ACL. The Lions announced the news via head coach Dan Campbell. He emphasized that the operation, while sidelining Onwuzurike for the 2021 season, must be done.
Onwuzurike was finally healthy and had a productive 2024 season before going under the knife. He’s displayed outstanding resiliency in rebounding from a chronic back condition that once required spinal fusion surgery. He had a mid-level back injury last season. Overcoming that disappointment, he found a way to compete and earned back his starting position, returning in 10-of-16 games a year ago. His 2021 season was highlighted by 28 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and a career-high 13 quarterback hits.
The Lions brought Onwuzurike back on a one-year deal in the offseason. They hope to unlock his wild potential and make a monster defensive front even more of a killer. The unexpected offseason loss will force the unit to shake up their defensive game plan heading into the 2023 season.
Campbell commented on the situation, highlighting the severity of Onwuzurike’s surgery:
“Levi’s surgery was significant, but it needed to be done, so he will miss the season.” – Dan Campbell
The Lions will find it exceedingly difficult to replace Onwuzurike’s impact on the field. When he’s gone, those performance measures will take a huge hit. Beyond the on-field performance issue, it will stun all future team chemistry on the D-line. Campbell expressed his disappointment at losing such an important player, stating:
“You don’t like to lose anybody.” – Dan Campbell
It’s up to the Lions to identify the best possible replacements and keep their defense from cratering with this enormous loss. Given this development, the organization is optimistic about Onwuzurike once he returns from what is considered a fairly routine surgical procedure.
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