A key player of the Detroit Lions will miss at least four games in the next NFL season.

The Detroit Lions have officially placed defensive end Levi Onwuzurike on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which means he’ll miss at least the first four games of the 2025 NFL season. The team didn’t disclose the specifics of his injury

Onwuzurike, 27, played in 16 games last season and started 10, finishing with 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He also rehabilitated from a major back injury that sidelined him for all of 2022

This move leaves a gap in Detroit’s defensive front early in the season, and the depth chart will be tested. Keep an eye on training camp updates—Onwuzurike’s return date hinges on when he’s activated off the PUP list.

Missing a rotational defensive end can stretch their depth front options during critical early-season matchups.

Detroit’s defense will be without his contributions (28 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2024) for potentially over a month .

The team will need younger players or backups to step up while he recovers and integrates back.