Detroit Lions will return an important part of their defense in Monday's Week 7 game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coach Dan Campbell made it clear Wednesday that defensive tackle Alim McNeil will take to the field for the first time since tore his cruciate ligament last Decemberending one of his strongest professional seasons prematurely.
“Listen, unless something happens this week, Aleem is playing like hell, man.” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket:.
The Lions opened a 21-day activation window for McNeil earlier this month, and he has steadily increased his workload in practice since then. Detroit's fifth-year starter is expected to make his primetime debut in 2025.
“Everyone loves [McNeill]and they know what kind of teammate he is and what kind of production he can bring to us (defensively) in the run and pass game,” Campbell said. “He’s the kind of guy who lifts up the guys around him. He'll improve their level of play or performance – he'll just be there because he'll get a little attention or they'll have to. So, look, this is his first game, so he's going to have to shake off a couple of cobwebs, but after what I've seen the last two weeks, it won't take long. It's good that he's back. He's definitely one of our members, man, a key part of what we do here, and he's going to help us out.”
McNeil, 25, started all 14 games played last season, recording 25 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble before the injury. He was a disruptive player in the interior game, leading the team in quarterback pressures and consistently commanding double teams down the middle of the line.
In four seasons, McNeil totaled 137 tackles, including 22 for loss, 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Detroit's defensive front.
Campbell said McNeil's workload against Tampa Bay will vary depending on how he feels throughout the game.
“We’ll take it as it comes,” Campbell said. “He’s gotten more reps in the last two weeks. He'll be doing more reps in practice this week too.”
For a Lions defense that has struggled with inconsistency this season, McNeil's return could provide a timely boost – and Campbell is pushing for some of the energy the team is fueling.
