Since the Detroit Lions face off against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game on July 31, training camp begins earlier than usual. Rookies report to camp on Wednesday, while veterans report on Saturday at the Detroit Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, Michigan. The Lions’ first open practice is on July 26, with six total sessions open to the public.
One area to keep an eye on during the summer is the defensive line, since several players are recovering from injuries.
Detroit Lions’ former 2nd-round pick was poised for a significant role
Levi Onwuzurike played a significant role in 2024, splitting time between an interior defensive lineman and an EDGE rusher. He recorded 28 tackles, one TFL, 13 quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 16 regular-season games and a career-high ten starts, plus three tackles and one quarterback hit in the playoffs. Onwuzurike also posted 18 stops, 45 pressures, a 67.1 pass-rush grade, a 64.1 run-defense grade, and a 69.4 PFF grade.
The Lions tapped him to a one-year, $4 million deal worth up to $5.5 million. He was poised to play a key rotational role in 2025. However, his fifth season will be put on hold.
Detroit Lions’ defensive lineman suddenly out for first 4 games
The Lions announced on X that they have placed Levi Onwuzurike on the reserve/PUP list, costing him at least the preseason and the first four games of the season. Although the team did not specify the nature of his injury, he has a history of back issues dating back to his college days at the University of Washington. Onwuzurike missed the entire 2022 season to undergo spinal fusion surgery and was limited to ten games in 2023.
The following players are declared physical unable to perform:
OT Taylor Decker, CB Khalil Dorsey, OG Miles Frazier, DL Alim McNeill, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, DL Mekhi Wingo
The following players are declared non-football injury:
DL Josh Paschal, CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
The… pic.twitter.com/6cMCdWaWv8
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 17, 2025
He is not the only D-tackle banged up
Alim McNeill suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills, and the Detroit Lions placed him on the active/PUP list. Since the injury occurred later in the year, he is expected to miss roughly half of the 2025 season. Therefore, McNeill could be out until late October or November, depending on the progress of his rehab.
Mekhi Wingo sustained a season-ending torn meniscus in Week 13 against the Chicago Bears. The Lions also placed him on the active/PUP list, but he can come off the list at any time. The team hopes that Wingo will be ready before the start of the season.
