The Detroit Lions will have to start the 2025 season without one of their key defensive players, as head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that defensive tackle Alim McNeill is unlikely to be ready for the beginning of the year. McNeill, who suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 of the 2024 season against the Buffalo Bills, is still in recovery, and Campbell made it clear the team will not rush his return.
“Obviously, it’s not going to be training camp or probably even the early part of the season, but we will get him back,” Campbell said when asked about McNeill’s timeline.
McNeill was playing at an elite level before his injury, finishing the 2024 season with 25 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in just 14 games. He also ranked among the league’s best defensive tackles in pressures (45, tied for 15th) and earned an impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 79.6. Detroit showed its confidence in him by signing him to a four-year extension in October, but now they’ll have to be patient as he works his way back to full strength.
The Lions have taken steps to reinforce the defensive line while McNeill recovers. The team re-signed Levi Onwuzurike, Pat O’Connor, Marcus Davenport, and Al-Quadin Muhammad while also adding defensive tackle Roy Lopez in free agency. Campbell believes these moves will help stabilize the unit early in the season.
“To get Davenport back; certainly, Hutch is coming back off of injury; what we did with Mac, early in the fall; we added Lopez to (DJ) Reader, until we get those guys back; (Mekhi) Wingo is on injury, but we feel good about where we’re at,” Campbell said.
Still, the Lions aren’t ruling out further additions to the defensive front. Campbell emphasized that the team is actively exploring options, whether through the draft or free agency, to bolster the unit before the season kicks off.
“We’re not done, either. That’s the point: We’re not done,” Campbell said. “We don’t know when. Maybe it will be the draft. We’re looking at everything. It could be after the draft. It could be any time. But, at this point with where we’re at, we do, we like where we’re at.”
While McNeill’s absence will be felt early on, the Lions seem confident in their ability to manage without him for a while. The focus remains on making sure he returns fully healthy so he can continue being the dominant force he was before his injury.
Alim McNeill’s Recovery: Dan Campbell Offers Insight on His Return
