The Detroit Lions could soon be getting back one of their most important defensive pieces. Defensive lineman Alim McNeill is entering the final stretch of his recovery from an ACL injury suffered late last season, and the 25-year-old is more motivated than ever to return.
McNeill Confident, But Playing It Smart
According to Detroit Football Network, McNeill said he feels like he could suit up this week if necessary, but he’s focused on finishing the process the right way.
“If I needed to suit up and play a game this week, I’m confident I could,” McNeill explained via Lions OnSI. “But the smart thing to do is finish that last 6-7% of my recovery, particularly strengthening the muscles around the injury to a point that it’s stronger and more stable than it was before I went down.”
That means building his leg strength and stability so that when he’s back, he’ll be even more durable than before. While there isn’t a firm timetable, reports suggest McNeill could still be “about a month out,” which lines up after Detroit’s Week 5 matchup with the Bengals.
Missing the Game Day Grind
If there’s anyone eager to get back in the trenches, it’s McNeill. Watching from home during the season opener against the Packers was a jarring experience for a player used to anchoring Detroit’s defensive front.
“I was like, ‘Damn, this is crazy.’ I was watching the Lions on TV when I’m used to being out there. I was at the house. It just motivated me even more,” McNeill said. “The game came on, and I started knocking out push-ups. I was like, ‘Damn, I’ve got to get back out there.’”
That passion is exactly what Dan Campbell and Kelvin Sheppard love about McNeill, a relentless motor and leadership presence that goes beyond the box score.
Why McNeill Matters to Detroit’s Defense
The Lions’ defense has already flashed improvement in 2025, with Brian Branch, Aidan Hutchinson, and Tyleik Williams leading the way. But McNeill brings something unique: the ability to collapse the pocket from the interior and eat up double teams in the run game.
His presence not only helps Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport on the edge, but also allows linebackers like Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone to play faster. Without him, Detroit has relied heavily on a rotation of younger players and veteran stopgaps, serviceable, but not the same.
The Bottom Line
Alim McNeill is close. Really close. And while he admits he could probably go right now, his decision to take the smart route, finishing the last few percent of his recovery, could pay off big for the Lions down the stretch.
For now, the Lions will keep grinding with what they’ve got, but when McNeill returns, Detroit’s defensive front could reach a whole new level.
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