The news broke late last week that Levi Onwuzurike would miss the entire 2025 season with a knee injury. The Lions aren’t expecting Alim McNeill back until sometime in October or November as he continues to rehab a torn ACL suffered late last year.
That’s left veteran D.J. Reader and rookie first-round pick Tyleik Williams to take the bulk of the first-team reps at defensive tackle in camp. Williams is making the adjustment to a quicker NFL game upfront.
“Of course, I’ve got to step up,” Williams said after practice Thursday. “I got drafted where I got drafted for a reason. They obviously think I can play and help this team, and I just have to step up to the plate and do that. I’m ready for it.”
Williams (6-3, 328) and Reader (6-3, 330) have terrific size inside and the Lions are hoping the two can also give them some juice as a pass rushers along the interior.
Linebacker Derrick Barnes (hand) and second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold (leg) both left practice Thursday and did not return. Linebacker Alex Anzalone (hamstring), defensive tackle Roy Lopez (foot) and running back Sione Vaki (hamstring) sat out practice.
Cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver returned to practice off the Non-Football Injury list. Defensive tackle Brodric Martin (foot) also returned to practice after exiting Tuesday.
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