One year ago, the Detroit Lions posted the best record in the NFC at 15-2. While the road to the Super Bowl ran through Ford Field, the Lions were more of a turnstile than a roadblock for the Washington Commanders, suffering a 45-31 defeat in the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Lions have spent this offseason making sure that doesn’t happen again. Most of their offseason signings were designed to add depth in the areas they needed it, and Detroit has intentions of winning the NFC North for the third straight year and going on to make its first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
While the goals don’t stop there, it’s their health that will take them as far as they want to go. That’s why an update from general manager Brad Holmes on one defensive stud was great news as the Lions took the field and could be a pleasant surprise in the early weeks of the 2025 season.
Brad Holmes Says Alim McNeill Could Return ‘Earlier Than Expected’
Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill’s availability has been uncertain as he recovers from a torn ACL. The defensive stalwart tore his ACL in a Dec. 15 game against the Buffalo Bills, and head coach Dan Campbell only offered vague updates on his chances of returning in time for the upcoming season. But Holmes gave the update that Lions fans have been hoping for during an interview with SiriusXM live.
“[We’re] still having Alim on his way back, which I think that, you know, has a potential to be a little bit earlier than expected,” Holmes said. “Because he’s doing great right now.”
The Lions would be wise to give McNeill all the time he needs to return from injury. An ACL typically takes 8-to-12 months for an athlete to recover, and it seems like a good idea to have the 25-year-old for the stretch run as opposed to the beginning of the year. But the Lions' patience will be tested.
McNeill has been a force in the middle of the Lions' defensive line, making 25 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks before getting injured last season. Pro Football Focus was also complimentary of McNeill’s performance, as his 79.6 overall grade ranked 10th and his 77.1 pass-rushing grade ranked 14th among qualifying interior defenders last season.
While the Lions will be happy whenever McNeill comes back, there is a sense of urgency at the beginning of camp. Levi Onwuzurike tore his ACL during the opening week and Tyleik Williams was absent from camp on Friday due to a personal matter.
DJ Reader and Roy Lopez are talented enough to hold down the fort in the meantime, but Detroit has to be excited to get one of their defensive playmakers back, even if it takes a couple of extra weeks.