In 2022, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike missed the entire season due to back issues. And even though he’s been rehabbing for quite some time, it doesn’t sound like Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is assuming he’ll be ready to go by the time the season starts. In fact, it sounds like there’s a chance Onwuzarike doesn’t return to the team at all.
During a press conference this week, Campbell was asked about the status of Levi Onwuzurike, who the team selected with their second-round pick back in 2021. Campbell got brutally honest about the situation, saying “you just don’t know” if he’s going to return.
“We just need to see how it is,” Campbell said according to Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. “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.”
Obviously, this is a horrible situation given that Onwuzurike is such a young player who was an important part of the team’s defensive line during the 2021 season, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on Twitter as a result.
Levi is quickly heading towards bust territory https://t.co/75zP6E2hho
— Honolulu Blues (@HonoluluBlues_) April 10, 2023
Not a surprise. We've known for months that some people inside the org don't believe he'll play again.
I just hope he recovers to have a full and healthy life off the field. https://t.co/c0LyMtrMuO
— Michael Luchies (@michaelluchies) April 10, 2023
CUT TIES NOW DON'T DRAG THIS OUT https://t.co/PXttwp856R
— R̶y̶a̶n̶ (@_McCluskeyR) April 10, 2023
Hard to put a bust label on a guy who got injured. I feel the bust label should be reserved for players who are active/play & never live up to potential; specifically 1st rounders. Not for those who were healthy and Had a productive rookie seasons.
— Nathaniel Carney (@NathanielCarney) April 10, 2023
I wouldn’t say bust cause he’s a second round pick but it certainly is disappointing. I’ve already accepted he’s done
— Brandon Tripp (@Trippilicious81) April 10, 2023
An unlucky injury doesn't make him a bust he had no control over that
— Jacob #FreeMead (@GoffToHOF) April 10, 2023
The Lions will undoubtedly still be hoping for his recovery, but it sounds like they’re prepared for the reality that it just might not happen.
