Detroit’s camp is hitting a rugged stretch. Through two preseason games and weeks of practice, the Lions have tallied 20 injuries as of Aug 11, including season-ending blows for Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Levi Onwuzurike, plus lingering absences for Alim McNeill and Malcolm Rodriguez. The depth will be tested as Detroit leans on reserves to open the season, elevating late-round and breakout candidates in both the defense and the skill positions.

Across the league, injury loads vary: Arizona has 10, Buffalo 15, Green Bay 15, while San Francisco sits highest at 31. Those contrasts frame fantasy angles—watch for emergent Lions contributors like Sam LaPorta and Kalif Raymond if early returns require make-do lineups. For bettors and managers, the landscape emphasizes volatility early, with notable players such as Matthew Stafford and Tyreek Hill carrying elevated relevance in Week 1 due to surrounding health dynamics.

Morice Norris's preseason collision with 14:50 left in the fourth quarter produced a terrifying moment as he lay on the turf, head snapping back on Nathan Carter’s leg. He spent the night at Grady Memorial Hospital and, per the Detroit Lions, is expected to return home after evaluation for brain, neck and spine concerns. The game was suspended, with Lions holding a 17-10 lead, and Detroit and Atlanta coaches Dan Campbell and Raheem Morris agreed to run out the clock. Norris posted afterward that he’s “all good” and thanked supporters. Norris is competing for Detroit’s No. 4 safety role as the team evaluates depth behind starters, while teammates and players from both sides gathered in prayer. The incident sparked an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from teammates and friends, reinforcing the sport’s human side even amid competition.

The Detroit Lions have kicked off their training camp, with the first practice session on Sunday. Head coach Dan Campbell provided significant injury updates, notably stating that Levi Onwuzurike will miss the entire 2025 season due to an ACL injury. Campbell described the surgery as significant and necessary for Onwuzurike’s health. Additionally, left tackle Taylor Decker has undergone a shoulder cleanup procedure but is expected to return after the Hall of Fame Game.

In other injury news, edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad and linebackers Alex Anzalone and Anthony Pittman did not participate in practice. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. sustained a chest injury during an 11-on-11 drill and has been taken for evaluation. As the team continues through camp, the focus will be on managing player health to prepare for the upcoming season.

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell has officially confirmed that defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike will miss the entire 2025 season following surgery to repair a torn ACL.

This unfortunate news comes after the Lions had already placed Onwuzurike on the reserve/PUP list, which effectively sidelined him for the first four games of the upcoming season. The injury marks a significant setback for the Lions as they look to strengthen their defensive line.

The Detroit Lions face a significant setback as defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike has been ruled out for the entire 2025 season following surgery on an ACL injury. This comes after a challenging 2024 season in which he had previously battled a back injury, requiring spinal fusion surgery.

Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Onwuzurike's placement on the reserve/PUP list, indicating the severity of his condition. Despite participating in the previous season, his performance was limited, raising concerns for the Lions' defensive line heading into 2025. The loss of Onwuzurike adds to the Lions' struggles in securing reliable performance from their defensive unit.