The Detroit Lions defensive line has been dealt a blow with Levi Onwuzurike placed on reserve/PUP ahead of training camp.
The Detroit Lions are set to begin training camp practices on Sunday, and as players report to Allen Park, several are not yet ready to participate in practices. As a result, the Lions made a plethora of roster moves on Thursday, placing several players on injury lists.
Here’s a look at the roster moves the Lions made:
Placed on physically unable to perform (active/PUP):
- OT Taylor Decker
- OG Miles Frazier
- DT Alim McNeill
- DT Mekhi Wingo
- LB Malcolm Rodriguez
- CB Khalil Dorsey
Placed on the non-football injury list (active/NFI)
- DL Josh Paschal
- CB Stantley-Thomas-Oliver
Placed on the reserve/PUP
- DL Levi Onwuzurike
It’s worth noting that players placed on the active/PUP or active/NFI list are eligible to come off the list at any point. Oftentimes, players are placed on those lists as a precaution or due to a failing of a conditioning test, and they’re taken off within days. Once off, they’re eligible to practice.
However, a placement on the reserve/PUP means that the player will not practice during training camp and is ineligible to play in the first four games of the season. That means the Lions will be without Onwuzurike for the first month of the season. That’s a significant blow to the Lions’ defensive line after re-signing Onwuzurike to a one-year, $4 million contract. They’ll already be short Alim McNeill, who is expected to miss some time at the beginning of the year.
It’s unclear what injury Onwuzurike is dealing with, as he appeared to finish the season without a major ailment.
The Lions also made one more roster move, waiving running back Anthony Tyus with a non-football illness designation.
With Tyus’ waiving, Frank Ragnow’s retirement, and Onwuzurike’s placement on the reserve/PUP, the Lions now have three open roster spots.