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Lions elevate DL from practice squad, re-sign Levi Onwuzurike

Ahead of their opening matchup against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field to begin the 2026 NFL campaign, the Detroit Lions executed multiple roster adjustments along their defensive front. The franchise parted ways with defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike, a former second-round selection, while also releasing rookie Tyre West from the practice squad.

Cutting vested veterans prior to the start of the regular season is a common procedural maneuver utilized across the league to circumvent fully guaranteed base salaries.

Following the initial transactions, Detroit brought Onwuzurike back onto the squad while also promoting defensive tackle Ben Stille from the practice group to reinforce depth. The sequence of front-office decisions opened necessary space and finalized the defensive line rotation immediately prior to kickoff on Sunday.