Levi Onwuzurike: Everything you need to know

Onwuzurike will miss the 2025 NFL campaign after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. This is a tough blow for Onwuzurike and the Lions, who were decimated by injuries on defense last year. Onwuzurike was a key part of Detroit's defensive line during the 2024 campaign, playing in 16 regular-season games and recording 16 tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble while logging over 60 percent of the team's defensive snaps 11 times. Presumed starter at defensive tackle Alim McNeill is recovering from a torn ACL himself, and it's unclear if he'll be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming campaign.

Onwuzurike (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/PUP list by the Lions on Thursday. The designation means that the defensive tackle will miss the first four regular-season games, assuming he's still on the reserve/PUP list after cut-down day on Aug. 26. Onwuzurike earned a rotation spot last season, playing a career-high 594 defensive snaps and making 28 tackles (16 solo). The 2021 second-round pick signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract to remain with the Lions in March, and he should be in line to play a role again if he's able to return by Week 5.

Onwuzurike is re-signing the Lions on Wednesday via a one-year, $5.5 million contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Onwuzurike impressed in 2024, with 28 tackles (16 solo), including 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble across 16 regular-season appearances. Reuniting with the team on a one-year deal now primes Onwuzurike for another chance to prove his ability to thrive as part of an interior defensive lineman rotation, before he hits free agency again in 2026.