Lions unsure if recent draft pick will come back from injury
Good things come to those who wait. The Detroit Lions are hoping that there is some truth to that proverb as it pertains to one of the team’s recent draft picks. The Lions selected Washington DT Levi Onwuzurike in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Onwuzurike came on strong during his rookie season with 35 […]
Good things come to those who wait. The Detroit Lions are hoping that there is some truth to that proverb as it pertains to one of the team’s recent draft picks.
The Lions selected Washington DT Levi Onwuzurike in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Onwuzurike came on strong during his rookie season with 35 tackles, two TFLs and one sack in 16 games.
Playing through pain as a rookie, Onwuzurike missed the entirety of the 2022 season due to a disc injury in his back that required surgery. Back injuries are difficult to overcome in general, but they are even tougher for a six-foot-three, 350-pound athlete.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell gave an update on Onwuzurike’s rehab in an appearance on MLive.com.
“We just need to see how it is,” Campbell said. “We talked to him a couple of weeks ago, he was doing good. The rehab has gone well, but you just don’t know. You don’t know with a back. But I mean certainly, he’s going to get an opportunity if the body will allow it.”
Detroit could use any and help it could get in the defensive trenches. Onwuzurike’s potential is likely to only make the team more eager for his return as he continues in the rehab process.
The hope is to get Onwuzurike back as soon as possible, but the team must avoid a situation that could increase the risk of re-injury. If Onwuzurike can make his return in 2023, the Lions’ depth on the interior defensive line will receive a major boost.
