The Detroit Lions’ defense has already proven it can win games in different ways, but reinforcements might be on the way soon. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Tuesday morning on Costa & Jansen that the team is hoping defensive tackle Alim McNeill can return “before the bye week.”
That’s encouraging news for a Lions defensive line that has already leaned heavily on Aidan Hutchinson, rookie Tyleik Williams, and D.J. Reader.
Possible Return Against Chiefs or Bucs
Campbell didn’t put a firm date on McNeill’s return but pointed toward two possible landing spots: next week’s road matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs or Week 7’s Monday Night Football showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field.
“No guarantee,” Campbell emphasized, but the fact that McNeill is trending toward being back within the next two weeks is a positive sign after missing time.
“I think we’re gonna see if we can do that.” Campbell said when asked if Alim would make his debut before the bye.” Really, so much of it is about, What does he look like? How does he feel? I think it would be nice to be that if we could, but we’re not gonna, you know, say for sure, like, ‘all right, this is when you’re playing. There’s no doubt about it.’ Let’s just see where he’s at.”
Why McNeill Matters
Detroit’s run defense has been solid, but McNeill’s presence in the middle is a game-changer. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 320 pounds, he eats up double teams and helps free up linebackers like Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone to flow to the ball.
The Lions are also about to hit a crucial stretch of the schedule. A road trip to Arrowhead is always a test, and the Bucs’ offense is built on trying to establish balance. Having McNeill back for either, or both, games could tilt the matchup.
The Big Picture
The Lions have already proven their depth, with young guys like Williams holding their own while veterans like Hutchinson continue to shine. But make no mistake, Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard know that getting McNeill back in the trenches is a major boost for a defense that just shut down the Browns.
If things go according to plan, Lions fans could see No. 54 clogging the middle sooner rather than later.
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