The Lions expected big things out of Levi Onwuzurike this year. His breakout will have to wait until next year, if it ever happens at all.
The second-year defensive lineman underwent back surgery last week and is done for the season, Dan Campbell announced Monday as the Lions returned from their bye. It's disappointing news for the former second-round pick, who was supposed to play a prominent role on Detroit's defense this season.
"That’s a little bit of a gut punch," Campbell said.
The surgery was to repair a disc in Onwuzurike's back, an issue that dates back to his college days. It limited him throughout last season even as he played in 16 games and flared up again after one padded practice in training camp this summer. Onwuzurike, 24, hasn't played since.
The hope is that the surgery gives him a fresh start next season.
"That’s a last-resort, but he felt like that’s where he needed to go with it," said Campbell.
On the bright side, Campbell and the Lions expect to have defensive linemen John Cominsky and Josh Paschal in the lineup in the near future. That could be soon as Sunday in Dallas in the case of Cominsky, who was Detroit's most disruptive pass rushers before injuring his hand in Week 2.
"Looks promising for him," Campbell said.
And Paschal, the Lions' second-round pick this year, isn't far behind.
Further off is defensive end Romeo Okwara, who's still working his way back from the torn Achilles he suffered last October. The plan remains for Okwara to return this season.
"The Achilles just happen at a different rate, but he’s doing a good job," said Campbell. "And you guys know Romes, he puts in the work now. It’s coming. When he’s ready, he’ll be out there."
Same goes for 12th overall pick Jameson Williams, who tore his ACL about nine months ago in the national championship: He's progressing, but slowly. The Lions expect him to debut at some point in the second half of the season.
Listen live to 97.1 The Ticket via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker