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Detroit Lions DL Levi Onwuzurike's back improving 'at a snail's pace'

The Detroit Lions are still holding out hope that second-year defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike will be ready for their season-opener Sept. 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, but Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledge that seems more unlikely by the day.

Campbell said Thursday that Onwuzurike has not had any setbacks from the back injury that has kept him out since the first week of camp, but his progress healing has been slow.

"He’s trending the right way, but it’s at a snail’s pace, is the best way to say it," Campbell said.

Onwuzurike has not practiced since aggravating a back and hip injury in the Lions' first padded practice of the summer Aug.