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Levi Onwuzurike

BREAKING: Lions Defensive Star Out For Season With Torn ACL

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike will miss the 2025 season with a torn ACL, per head coach Dan Campbell. This news comes just days after Campbell announced the defensive tackle would start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Levi Onwuzurike ACL
Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike (91) pressures Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

BREAKING: Levi Onwuzurike To Miss 2025 Season With Torn ACL

This news comes on the heels of Onwuzurike’s best professional season. Starting in 10 games last year while making 16 appearances, the defensive tackle finished his season with 1.5 sacks, 28 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, 13 quarterback hits, and a 70.2 PFF grade, the 23rd-best mark of 118 eligible players. He earned a one-year, $5.5 million prove-it contract for his breakout season, but he unfortunately will not be able to justify the investment.

Levi Onwuzurike originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the Detroit Lions, the Washington product joined a rebuilding Lions squad and struggled to make an impact early in his career. Appearing in 16 games without making a start, the rookie finished his inaugural season with one sack, 35 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, one quarterback hits, and an underwhelming 43.2 PFF grade.

After an injury cost him his 2022 season, Levi Onwuzurike returned to the field in 2023. Playing a depth role as he recovered his collegiate form, the defensive tackle finished the season with one sack, five tackles, one tackle-for-loss, two quarterback hits, and a 68.5 PFF grade. With his help, the Lions made it to the NFC Championship Game before falling to the San Francisco 49ers.

Since signing his rookie contract, Levi Onwuzurike has appeared in 42 games while making 10 starts. During his time on the field, the Washington product has recorded 3.5 sacks, 68 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, and 16 quarterback hits.

Main Photo: Junfu Han – Imagn Images

About David Latham, Managing Editor

With LWOS since 2017, and as Managing Editor for NFL content at Last Word On Sports since 2021, David Latham stands as an authority in professional football analysis. With an intricate understanding of the league, Latham has cultivated exceptional expertise in NFL Fantasy Football, offering astute insights that empower enthusiasts and seasoned players alike. His keen eye for detail and comprehensive knowledge also position him as a trusted source for breaking news and rumors, consistently delivering timely and accurate information. Latham’s contributions are invaluable for readers seeking strategic fantasy league decisions to understanding the impact of league-wide developments. His commitment to factual reporting and insightful commentary has cemented his reputation as a reliable voice in the NFL media landscape.

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