Detroit Lions staff check on the injury of defensive end Levi Onwuzurike (91) during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

‘Will Lose A Top Defender Before The Season’: Detroit Lions Announce Bad ACL News

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 9:56 AM ET

The Detroit Lions entered 2025 with the goal of being healthier than they were during the postseason, as injuries to the defensive line had derailed the team’s hopes of being a threat to make the Super Bowl. On Sunday, Lions coach Dan Campbell had more bad news for the defense before the start of training camp.

Campbell told reporters defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike would miss the upcoming season after he had surgery to repair a torn ACL.

“All right, let me start with Levi,” Campbell said. “Levi’s out for the year. All right. Levi’s surgery was, you know, it was, it was significant, but it needed to be done, you know, out of his control, and it needed to be done. And so he will miss the season.”

The Detroit Lions have a significant preseason injury

NFL insider Ian Rapoport called the injury “significant” and wrote that the backup defensive lineman was a top defender on the unit.

A significant injury update from Dan Campbell, as the #Lions lose a top defender before the season. https://t.co/Bk1WYv3Dw8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2025

The Lions selected Onwuzurike in the second round of the 2021 draft. The Washington standout has appeared in 42 games and started in 10. His 10 starts last season came amid multiple injuries on the defensive line.

The six-foot-three, 290-pound athlete has recorded 68 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in his NFL career. He missed the 2022 campaign due to a back injury.

The Lions signed Onwuzurike to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million in March.

Some Lions fans are worried

Detroit Lions helmet. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing/USA TODAY Sports

Fans online were worried about the injury.

“Lions continue to get hit with major defensive injuries. It’s insane. Is it bad luck? Or something more with strength & conditioning?” wrote a fan.

“What’s up with all the injuries? Broncos had the same. Payton came in cleared out the whole health and conditioning team and they went worst injured to least injured. Time for a change?,” posted another.

Nov 17, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) passes the ball and is pressured by Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike (91) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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