Coach dan Campbell confirmed Sunday that the injury,while significant,is not related to Onwuzurike’s previous chronic back issues. The surgery was deemed necessary for his recovery.

Onwuzurike’s absence represents a considerable setback for the Lions’ defensive line. He was slated to potentially start, especially with Alim McNeill also expected to miss a substantial portion of the season due to an ACL tear sustained in December. This situation will test the team’s defensive depth,with players such as DJ Reader,Roy Lopez,Pat O’Connor,and first-round draft pick Tyleik williams expected to fill the void.

Despite the losses, Campbell expressed confidence in the team’s defensive line unit.”The depth, feeling pretty good,” Campbell stated.”There again, you don’t like to lose anybody. Certainly, losing Levi, that hurts, but it helps that we have Tyleik. So we’ve got a little bit of balancing here. And than we feel good about getting (Josh) Paschal back here at some point before the season. So,I think,all-in-all were pretty good. I like what we’ve got in that room.”

This offseason, Onwuzurike signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the lions.In the previous season, he played in 16 games, starting 10, and recorded 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble. Given his history of injuries, his future with the team remains uncertain.