Detroit Lions Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Levi Onwuzurike Miss Thursday Practice

The Detroit Lions returned to the practice field as they prepare for a Week 10 showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. 

Missing from the portion of practice open to the media were offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai and defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike. 

Vaitai has struggled with injuries this season dating back to a knee issue suffered in Week 2 against Seattle. Onwuzurike, meanwhile, has bounced back and forth between being active and a healthy scratch. 

The third-year defender missed all of last season with a back injury. He has been up and down since rejoining the fold but hasn't played since Week 6 against Tampa Bay. To this point in the season, he has two total tackles.

“I think we sometimes forget Levi basically missed a year and a half of football," said defensive line coach John Scott. "That’s a huge learning curve when you’re not able to get out on the field. Levi’s another guy that, he’s got some great talent and we see progression every day. It’ll come for Levi, he has to continue to work and continue to show it in practice which he’s doing. 

"Better yet, when you get that opportunity, you have to show that in the games as well. Ultimately as you guys all know, it’s the ultimate measuring stick. People want to see wins and losses and how you can perform on that stage. Those are all the things he’s working on but he works at it well and again, I am pleased at where he is. It’ll come.”