The Detroit Lions are limping their way through midseason, and the latest injury updates don’t make things any easier for Dan Campbell’s crew. After a tough loss to the Chiefs, three major defensive names — Alim McNeill, Kerby Joseph, and Marcus Davenport — are all on the radar for different reasons, and their statuses could shape how Detroit handles the next few games.
Alim McNeill, the big man in the middle, is inching closer to a return from a torn ACL. The team officially opened his 21-day practice window, which means he’s been moving well in practice and could be cleared soon. Campbell’s been optimistic, hinting that fans might see McNeill back on the field against Tampa Bay. His return would be a huge boost for the Lions’ run defense, which has looked shaky without his presence in the trenches.
Kerby Joseph is another story. The ball-hawking safety is still battling a nagging knee injury. He played through pain against Kansas City, but it clearly limited him. With a bye week on the horizon, the team might decide to rest him to ensure he’s 100% for the second half of the season.
Then there’s Marcus Davenport — the $13 million offseason signing who just can’t stay healthy. He remains on injured reserve, and Campbell didn’t mince words: a return before the bye is “unlikely.” That’s bad news for a Detroit pass rush already stretched thin.
For now, Campbell and the coaching staff are counting on depth players to hold the line, but there’s no denying the defense looks different without these three key starters. The next few weeks will test the Lions’ toughness — and their ability to stay afloat until the cavalry returns.
Detroit Lions Hit Hard: Injury Updates on Alim McNeill, Kerby Joseph, and Marcus Davenport Rock the Defense
