The Detroit Lions have gotten themselves back on track with three straight wins after opening the season with a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers. And as if they weren’t already dangerous enough, it sounds like the team could be set to get defensive lineman Alim McNeill back on the field in the near future.
McNeill suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 last season, and he’s been working his way back to full health ever since then. It’s been a long and grueling rehab process, but McNeill can see the light at the end of the tunnel, as head coach Dan Campbell provided a big update on his injury status as the team begins its preparation for Week 5.
Dan Campbell Provides Alim McNeill Injury Update
The Lions‘ defense has been hit hard by injuries to begin the 2025 campaign, particularly on their defensive line. In addition to McNeill’s absence, Levi Onwuzurike tore his ACL before the start of the season, while Marcus Davenport was recently placed on injured reserve with a pec injury. Josh Paschal is also still dealing with an undisclosed injury that has prevented him from suiting up this season.
Detroit knew that McNeill wasn’t going to be ready for the start of the season, but with several other players banged up now, they are hoping he can wrap up his rehab a bit sooner than expected and get back on the field. The team obviously isn’t going to rush him, but he has continued to make good progress as of late.
That progress has not gone unnoticed by Campbell, who knows just how badly the team needs McNeill on the field. According to Campbell, McNeill could return to practice this week, and while he didn’t provide a specific date for when he could suit up for the regular season, it appears he could be playing again sooner rather than later.
“There’s a good chance we may start Mac’s clock this week,” Campbell said, via 97.1 The Ticket. “So that’s good. We want to make sure that we check all those boxes before we say that that’s what we’re going to do for sure. But it’s trending the right way, he’s about ready to go.”
“I think he’s tired of training. He’s trained all he can train. He’s done everything you can do. He just needs football. He’s done an unbelievable job … and obviously the work that he’s put into it has been pretty special.”
Dan Campbell, Lions Turn Attention to Week 5 Action
GettyThe Detroit Lions are 3-1 after their win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, and now, Dan Campbell has dropped more news.
Even with a somewhat shorthanded unit on defense, the Lions have overcome their slow start in Week 1 to reestablish themselves as one of the top teams in the league. With their win and the Green Bay Packers tying the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, they have moved back to the top of the NFC North division for the time being.
Heading into Week 5, Detroit has a matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, who have looked completely hapless in their first two games without Joe Burrow under center. You can never take an opponent lightly, but the Lions appear to be in a great spot to pick up their fourth straight win when they take the field next. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lions HC Dan Campbell Reveals Return Plan for DT Alim McNeill appeared first on Heavy Sports.