Alim McNeill injury update: DT won't play vs. Chiefs, could return Week 7

Alim McNeill practiced in full for the second straight day Friday but will have to wait another week to return from a torn ACL.

The Detroit Lions are giving Alim McNeill one more week of rest.

McNeill took part in his second straight full practice Friday, Oct. 10, in his return from a torn ACL, but the Lions ruled him out for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

McNeill remains on the physically unable to perform list and in the midst of a 21-day return-to-practice window. He indicated he could return for next week's "Monday Night Football" game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though the Lions have until Oct. 22 – during their Week 8 bye – to activate him to the 53-man roster.

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (54) pressures Green Bay Packers center Josh Myers (71) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.

"If I'm called I'm for sure ready to go," McNeill said. "Things have been going good."

McNeill said he has practiced the past two days with the same pace and workload he had before his injury.

"He looks good, our O-line hates him right now," Lions coach Dan Campbell said. "But he’s getting better, that’s the best I’ll tell you right now.”

The Lions (4-1) ruled out three other players for Sunday – starting cornerback Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and backups linebacker Zach Cunningham (hamstring) and running back Sione Vaki (groin) – and listed six players as questionable of their Friday practice report.

Safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are questionable and gametime decisions against the Chiefs, Campbell said, Left tackle Taylor Decker is questionable after sitting out the entire week of practice with a shoulder injury, and Avonte Maddox (hamstring), Gio Manu (knee) and Kalif Raymond (neck) also are questionable.

The Chiefs (2-3) do not list anyone with a game designation on their Friday injury report.

Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on BlueskyX and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Alim McNeill injury update: Detroit Lions DT out vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Category: Football