The Detroit Lions currently have three defensive tackles banged up and are not expected to be ready for the start of training camp, hence Thursday’s roster moves. Mekhi Wingo is recovering from a torn meniscus and will open camp on the active/PUP list, allowing him to return at any time. Levi Onwuzurike is dealing with an undisclosed injury, but has a history of back issues, is on the reserve list, and will miss the first four games.
Also Read: Detroit Lions: Defensive Lineman Suddenly Out for First 4 Games
Their third defensive tackle could be out longer.
Detroit Lions’ elite DT may not play until November
Alim McNeill is recovering from an ACL tear sustained late last year. Since he is a vested veteran with four or more accrued seasons, the Lions placed him on the active/PUP list to start training camp rather than the reserve/PUP list, which would have sidelined him for the entire season. Though McNeill will likely not play until late October or November, the front office must wait until the roster cutdown deadline to place him on the reserve list.
With the injuries to their defensive tackles, the team must rely on a high draft pick.
Detroit Lions’ high draft pick primed for crucial role in 2025
The Lions drafted former Ohio State Buckeye Tyleik Williams 28th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He had a strong tenure with Ohio State, earning recognition as an elite run-stopper and underrated pass rusher with 28 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in his four-year career. With Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike sidelined, Williams will compete against Roy Lopez for the starting defensive tackle spot alongside D.J. Reader.
Williams was not 100% during OTAs as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury sustained during Ohio State’s Pro Day. However, the Lions did not place the first-round pick on the NFI or PUP list. If everything works out for the rookie, he could start until McNeill returns and later carve out a crucial rotational role in 2025.
Dan Campbell praised Tyleik Williams
“There’s things about him that remind me of Mac,” Campbell said, via FOX 2 Detroit. “He’s really an athletic, big man that can play the nose, he can play the three, he can play some five-technique.
“We feel like he can get up to speed pretty quick.”
