It appears Detroit Lions DT Alim McNeill is on the cusp of playing for the first time this season in the team's "Monday Night Football" matchup against Tampa Bay.
After weeks of speculation about his status, Alim McNeill appears to be on the cusp of making his 2025 debut next Monday against Tampa Bay.
Asked if he expected the defensive tackle to play against the Buccaneers, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said, “I’d love to believe so. We’re getting closer. I am starting to feel pretty good.”
McNeill, who is currently on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, spent nine months recovering from the surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that he suffered in a loss to the Buffalo Bills last December. He returned to practice Oct. 1 and has drawn rave reviews ever since. McNeill, Campbell said, is "physically ready" and his "legs are under him."
The Lions considered activating McNeill each of the past two weeks but ultimately ruled him out before their victory over Cincinnati on Oct. 5 and their loss to Kansas City this past Sunday.
"If I'm called, I'm for sure ready to go," McNeill said last week. "Things have been going good."
While McNeill’s return to the lineup appears imminent, it seems edge defender Marcus Davenport will remain sidelined until next month.
Davenport, who suffered a pectoral strain in a Sept. 14 victory over Chicago, was eligible to be moved off injured reserve this week after missing the past four games. But Campbell indicated that won’t happen right away.
“I don’t see that. Not yet,” Campbell said.
But he added, “He’s doing well. He’s getting better.”
Because the Lions will be idle the week after they play Tampa Bay, the earliest Davenport would be expected to return to action is Nov. 2 against Minnesota.
Contact Rainer Sabin at [email protected]. Follow him @RainerSabin on X.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Will Alim McNeill make his '25 debut? Lions' Dan Campbell gives answer
Category: Football
