By Blessing 
Alim McNeill Returns to Practice as Lions Open 21-Day Evaluation Window
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill is officially back on the practice field, as the team has opened his three-week evaluation period. This window gives Detroit the chance to activate him from the PUP list at any point.
The move marks McNeill’s first practice since tearing his ACL last December. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the news on Wednesday, adding a bit of humor during his press conference. “So, we’re starting Mac’s clock today,” Campbell said. “I think he’s a little nervous [Campbell joked]… He’s ready to go. Like I said, I feel sorry for some of those guys who’ll have to line up across from him. He’s ready to go. He’s ready to start practicing.”
Under league rules, McNeill can work with the team over the next 21 days without being added to the 53-man roster. Once the Lions believe he is ready, they can activate him at any time. That could mean a return as early as Week 5 against the Bengals, or perhaps Week 6 versus the Chiefs, Week 7 against the Buccaneers, or even after the Week 8 bye if they choose to be cautious.
His return would be significant. McNeill is not only a force against the run but also provides the interior pass rush the defense has lacked. Last season, he graded out at 79.6 overall on PFF, including a strong 77.1 pass rush grade, making him one of Detroit’s most reliable linemen before the injury.
While McNeill’s progress is encouraging, not all the injury updates were as positive. Defensive end Josh Paschal remains without a timetable, and the Lions are only cautiously optimistic that guard Miles Frazier will return before season’s end.
For now, though, Detroit fans have reason to be excited: Alim McNeill is back on the field.