Tyleik Williams: Everything you need to know

Williams ended the 2025 regular season with 18 tackles (eight solo), including 1.0 sacks, and four passes defensed over 17 games. Williams did not miss a game this season. The 2025 first-round defensive tackle was a reliable rotational piece behind starters Alim McNeil and DJ Reader, often sharing snaps with fellow defensive lineman Roy Lopez. With Reader becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Williams has the potential to seize a starting role in the Lions' defense for 2026.

Williams (leg/personal) practiced with the Lions on Saturday, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports. Williams returned to practice Thursday before being absent Friday, which was due to personal reasons, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The rookie first-round pick struggled with a leg injury during OTAs, but that looks like it's behind him with training camp underway. Williams is vying for a starting role at defensive tackle next to DJ Reader because Alim McNeill (knee) is expected to miss a few months to start the year.

Williams (leg) has not yet participated in OTAs, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports. The defensive tackle and 2025 first-round pick fell to the turf field near the end of his 40-yard dash at Ohio State's pro day back in March, per Joey Kaufman of The Columbus Dispatch. Williams was seen walking under his own power later in the day and also tweeted that the injury wasn't serious. Detroit coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that the team just wants its rookies "healthy and ready to go, full speed, come training camp," per Bianchi.