Lions' Onwuzurike out for season with torn ACL; Decker expected back quickly

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Allen Park — A year after the Detroit Lions’ defense was decimated by injuries, the team was dealt another significant blow entering training camp.

On Sunday, coach Dan Campbell confirmed defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike is done for the season after suffering a torn ACL. The fifth-year defensive tackle had been expected to play a significant role in the upcoming campaign, particularly with teammate Alim McNeill expected to be out until the middle of the season while rehabbing the same injury.

Campbell said he still felt good about the team’s depth at the position, but acknowledged Onwuzurike’s injury means the team will likely have to lean a little more heavily on first-round draft pick Tyleik Williams.

Onwuzurike, entering his fifth season, re-signed with the team as a free agent this offseason. After battling a nagging back injury for his first three seasons, he had a breakout campaign in 2024, appearing in 16 games and playing more than 600 defensive snaps.

Beyond Onwuzurike, Campbell offered more optimistic timelines for offensive tackle Taylor Decker and defensive lineman Josh Paschal, who were both placed on the physically unable to perform list earlier this week.

Decker had a minor cleanup procedure done on his shoulder. The team hopes to have him back shortly after the first preseason game at the end of the month.

Paschal also had a minor surgery this offseason. He’s expected to be out a little longer, with his current timeline keeping him on the shelf until early September.