The Detroit Lions are grappling with significant changes to their defensive lineup as injuries and roster moves affect key players. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill, still only 25 years of age, developed into a dependable run stuffing enforcer firsthand over the course of last season. He went on to start 14 games, finishing with eye-popping statistics. It was in 2023 that he truly became a power player. He finished the year with 3.5 sacks, 25 tackles and seven QB hits.
On the other hand, fellow DT Levi Onwuzurike re-signed with the Lions this off-season, agreeing to a one-year deal. Right now, he’s the one on the ropes. At 27 years old, Onwuzurike enjoyed a bounce-back 2024, starting 10 of 16 games. He finished with a remarkable 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Sadly, reports now weigh in confirming how he won’t be playing, at least the first four games of next season, after having suffered a serious knee injury.
The Lions’ brand of aggressive, blitz-heavy defense now has even more obstacles in its way with multiple players landing on the non-football injury list. Josh Paschal and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III join the ranks of sidelined players, raising concerns about depth in the defensive line. Additionally, a day later Anthony Tyus III was waived with a non-football illness designation, making the team’s predicament all the more complex.
As the Lions head into these next three key games, the effect these injuries have, both physically and mentally, will be one to watch. Not staying in the game would be conceding defeat and allowing their fierce defensive performance to wither.
Leave a Reply