The Detroit Lions are getting ready to welcome their standout defensive tackle back. Alim McNeill, who has been out with an ACL tear since Week 15 of last season, began practicing on Wednesday.
Despite optimistic updates from Dan Campbell, the coaching staff, and McNeill himself, fans will have to wait at least another week before seeing their 25-year-old defensive lineman back in action. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Friday that the Lions were ruling out McNeill ahead of their Week 5 clash against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Alim McNeill Ruled Out for Week 5 Despite Positive Updates Throughout the Week
While this is a disappointing development after Campbell suggested there was a 50% chance earlier in the day that McNeill would play on Sunday, it makes a lot of sense in the grand scheme of things. McNeill hasn't played in over nine months, and the Lions have 21 days before a decision on activating him must be made. In his absence, Detroit's defense has played above expectations, and rookie Tyleik Williams has been getting valuable experience as a starter in his place. Allowing for McNeill to play himself into shape and slowly integrating him during the grueling NFL season seems like the right approach.
Even though McNeill must be champing at the bit to make his season debut, the team doesn't desperately need him. Where they need more help, instead, is in the secondary. DJ Reed landed on the injured reserve earlier this week, Khalil Dorsey has been ruled out, and Kerby Joseph's status for Week 5 remains questionable. Valuable backup Zack Cunningham will also miss the Bengals game.
The Lions should have enough to beat a Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati roster despite being short-handed. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has gotten his unit to punch above its weight. His ability to continue to do so, though, will really be tested on Sunday, especially if Joseph also misses the game.
For McNeill, the next earliest opportunity to suit up will come against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6. Considering how close to playing he was this week, it isn't outrageous to think the lineman will be probable for that clash of the titans.
McNeill will likely be eased into his regular workload upon his return. Last season, he played a career-high 70% of Detroit's defensive snaps when he was available. It's difficult to imagine a repeat of that with Williams, Roy Lopez, and Mekhi Wingo in the picture. At the same time, it's impossible to argue that he will not be a massive boost for this team immediately.