Detroit Lions release defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike before season opener
6 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 8:41 PM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
The Detroit Lions released veteran defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike from their 53-man roster on Friday, two days before the team's season opener against the New Orleans Saints. The move allows the team to maneuver its roster, as releasing a vested veteran before Week 1 avoids guaranteeing his full salary for the season. Onwuzurike, a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, missing the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL. The team also released rookie defensive lineman Tyre West from the practice squad. It remains possible that Onwuzurike could be re-signed to the active roster or the practice squad following the upcoming game. The Lions entered the season with 11 defensive linemen, creating competition for roster spots along the defensive front.
- •The Detroit Lions released defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike on Friday.
- •The team also cut rookie defensive lineman Tyre West from the practice squad.
- •Releasing a vested veteran before Week 1 prevents his salary from becoming fully guaranteed.
- •Onwuzurike could return to the team as a practice squad signing or an active roster addition.
- •The Lions play the New Orleans Saints in their season opener on Sunday.
- 8:41 PMYahoo Sports — Lions release DL Levi Onwuzurike
- 8:39 PMYahoo Sports — DT Levi Onwuzurike cut by Detroit Lions, will he return to roster?
- 8:29 PMYahoo Sports — Detroit Lions release Levi Onwuzurike and rookie DL
- 8:27 PMYahoo Sports — Detroit Lions Release Levi Onwuzurike and 2026 Draft Pick
"The Detroit Lions cut of Levi Onwuzurike follows the practice of NFL teams cutting vested veterans before Week 1 to avoid guaranteeing contracts.
"The Detroit Lions released Levi Onwuzurike and cut rookie Tyre West from the practice squad, reopening roster space before Week 1.
"Detroit Lions have released DL Levi Onwuzurike, but there could be some roster manipulation at play.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 8:41 PMLions release DL Levi Onwuzurike
The Lions dropped a player from their active roster on Friday.
- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 8:39 PMDT Levi Onwuzurike cut by Detroit Lions, will he return to roster?
The Detroit Lions cut of Levi Onwuzurike follows the practice of NFL teams cutting vested veterans before Week 1 to avoid guaranteeing contracts.
- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 8:29 PMDetroit Lions release Levi Onwuzurike and rookie DL
Detroit Lions have released DL Levi Onwuzurike, but there could be some roster manipulation at play.
- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 8:27 PMDetroit Lions Release Levi Onwuzurike and 2026 Draft Pick
The Detroit Lions released Levi Onwuzurike and cut rookie Tyre West from the practice squad, reopening roster space before Week 1.
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