By Sunday 
It’s been a rough stretch for the Detroit Lions defense, and just when things seemed to be turning a corner… boom. Another setback.
After weeks of rehab and growing optimism, defensive tackle Alim McNeill will remain sidelined for yet another week. The Lions officially ruled him out of Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, delaying his long-awaited return from a torn ACL that’s kept him off the field all season.
A Cautious Call, but a Costly One
Earlier in the week, head coach Dan Campbell hinted McNeill’s status was “50/50,” and there was genuine hope he’d be cleared. But the team decided to play it safe — a smart move long-term, but one that hurts their depth right now.
McNeill had reportedly looked sharp in practice, enough to catch the attention of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who said,
“I see him helping in a major way… I see a very, very high-caliber defensive tackle when I turned on the tape yesterday.”
That excitement will have to wait at least one more week.
The Injury List Keeps Growing
Unfortunately, McNeill isn’t the only name on Detroit’s injury list. The Lions also ruled out Sione Vaki, Zach Cunningham, and Khalil Dorsey — each a key contributor in their own right. Vaki’s groin injury has kept him off the field for nearly two weeks, while Dorsey remains in concussion protocol, also nursing a wrist issue.
And then there’s D.J. Reed, the starting cornerback who was just placed on injured reserve. Campbell tried to find a silver lining, saying,
“He’s going to be down for a while… but the good news is this is not a season-ender.”
Still, it’s a brutal blow for a defense already battling to stay healthy and cohesive.
The Bigger Picture
Detroit’s defensive line was supposed to be one of its biggest strengths this season. Instead, it’s become a weekly juggling act of who’s available and who’s not. With the Bengals’ offensive weapons up next, the timing couldn’t be worse.
If there’s one thing Lions fans know, though, it’s grit — and this team has shown plenty. Even with key starters out, Campbell’s squad has found ways to stay competitive, leaning on depth and that signature Detroit toughness.
But make no mistake — getting McNeill back can’t come soon enough.