The Detroit Lions had plenty of injury cases to watch during the season in 2025, so it could have been impossible for fans to remember the first major situation that played out last summer.
Almost exactly a year ago, the Lions lost defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike to an ACL tear at the start of training camp. Entering last season, Onwuzurike was thought of as a star in the making given what he could bring to the Lions' defensive line. All of that was put on hold.
This season, Onwuzurike is finally coming back, and his return could be lost in the shuffle given everything else going on with Detroit's defense. Even such, there is good news in his return for the Lions given all he can do up front and all he is expected to do for the Lions this coming season.
Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker recently put together a list of five players set to return off a previous season-ending injury this season. Onwuzurike made the list, and Locker was very bulish on what he can bring to the mix this season for the Lions' front.
"After assuming more of a rotational role across his first two seasons, Onwuzurike was a regular contributor in 2024 by appearing on a career-high 697 snaps. That increased volume led to better results: Onwuzurike sported a 70.2 overall PFF grade, generating 47 pressures in the process. In fact, his 11.9% pass-rush win rate tied for 13th among qualified interior defenders that season."
"With D.J. Reader gone, the Lions’ interior defensive line primarily consists of Alim McNeill, Tyleik Williams and the re-signed Onwuzurike. Given McNeill’s inferior pass-rushing production in 2025, Onwuzurike is in line to quietly play a massive role in the middle of Detroit’s defense — specifically, a group that tied for 13th in PFF pass-rushing grade."
While the focus has rightly been on McNeill getting back to dominating in addition to Williams potentially having a strong sophomore campaign, it's important to remember that Onwuzurike brings a unique skillset to the Lions as well. He is not only solid in the middle, but can rush the passer as well.
Given these unique abilities, it's no surprise to see Onwuzurike being cited as one of the more interesting injury returns this year. The Lions would like to see him put the injury issues behind him and fully reach his potential starting now.
Kacy Rodgers praises Onwuzurike's fit within Detroit's defense
As training camp gets set to kick off, there's a focus on what players will be worth watching as workouts begin relative to what their roles will be in 2026. This season, there's no question Onwuzurike will be one of the top players to monitor.
Kacy Rodgers, Detroit's defensive line coach, believes that Onwuzurike brings everything the Lions need to the mix. He can do anything the team asks, and is ready to step up and prove that he can shoulder the load for the defensive line.
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"When you look at Levi, he's just kind of the way we play. I say a jack of all trades. We have what we call the big end position. He definitely can do that. If we had to move him in nose (tackle), I believe he could do that. He can play three-technique. Like I say, you got some moving parts there which is a good problem to have. It'll be interesting to see how it all unfolds."
This offseason, there's been a question regarding whether the Lions did enough to address their defensive line and specifically the pass rush. If what Rodgers is saying is true, Detroit could be set to rely on plenty of underrated talents such as Onwuzurike to chip in and shoulder the load this season.
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