League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Injuries

Detroit Lions release Levi Onwuzurike from active roster

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 8:44 PM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Detroit Lions release Levi Onwuzurike from active roster

Summary

The Detroit Lions released defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike on Friday, Sept. 11. The team also released rookie defensive lineman Tyre West from the practice squad. Onwuzurike, a veteran entering his fifth season, appeared on the initial 53-man roster before the move. Because Onwuzurike is a vested veteran, his base salary could become fully guaranteed if he remains on the active roster through the first regular-season game. The team may re-sign him following the opener to avoid this contractual obligation. The Lions continue to manage a deep defensive line rotation as they prepare for their upcoming game against New Orleans.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Detroit released Levi Onwuzurike and rookie Tyre West on Friday.
•The move avoids guaranteeing Onwuzurike's $1.215 million base salary for the season.
•Onwuzurike may return to the team after the Week 1 game against New Orleans.
•The Lions currently carry a deep defensive line rotation including Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill.

Latest Updates

8:44 PMYahoo Sports — Why Levi Onwuzurike’s Lions Release May Be Temporary
8:41 PMYahoo Sports — Levi Onwuzurike released by Lions

What they're saying

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The Lions released Levi Onwuzurike, but an NFL salary rule could explain why Detroit may bring the veteran defensive lineman back quickly.
— Yahoo Sports