We break down what the Levi Onwuzurike means for the defensive line rotation, the training camp battles, and the Detroit Lions’ overall defense.
Detroit Lions training camp opened on a sour note. Coach Dan Campbell opened Monday’s press conference with news that Levi Onwuzurike—a projected starter who played more defensive line snaps than any other Lions player in 2024—was out for the year due to a lingering ACL injury that required offseason surgery a mere month or so after the Lions re-signed him.
There’s no sugar-coating it. It’s devastating news to a Lions defensive front that already came into training camp with some questions. And given that they already have some other injuries at the position—Mekhi Wingo, Alim McNeill, Josh Paschal, and Al-Quadin Muhammad are all currently out—it’s left some Lions fans already thinking doom and gloom for the defensive line in 2025.
On this week’s PODcast, we wade through the injury situation and the outlook of the defensive line. How fortunate is it that, despite this injury, the Lions potentially have a somewhat one-to-one Onwuzurike replacement with their first-round pick Tyleik Williams? Who will this open up a spot for amongst the depth? Can the Lions survive the early part of the season without Onwuzurike, McNeill, and possibly Paschal? Those are just a few of the many questions we try to answer this week.
Beyond that, we discuss all the other developments and standouts from the first two days of practice. Are the Lions already settled with their offensive line lineup? Are they making the right decision? And has Hendon Hooker finally turned a corner?
We discuss all of that—and so much more—on this week’s PODcast. You can listen to the show in the embedded player below, or on any of your favorite podcasting platforms. As a reminder: we’re bringing back listener reviews. If you leave a thoughtful review over on Apple Podcasts , we’re going to read them aloud during the show again! So head over there and leave your thoughts .
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