The Detroit Lions have some concerns along the defensive line going into the 2025 campaign, but things are looking up after recent comments from general manager Brad Holmes.
Holmes was a guest on SiriusXM radio on Tuesday (h/t Jeremy Reisman, Pride of Detroit) when he revealed that McNeill could return sooner than expected.
“Still having Alim on his way back, which I think that, you know, that has a potential to be a little bit earlier than expected,” Holmes said. “Because he’s doing great right now.”
McNeill is, of course, recovering from a torn ACL. Since he suffered the injury in December, it was logical to believe he could miss games to start the season, and possibly as many as four or more if he landed on the reserve/PUP list.
However, the Lions left the door open for him to play within the first four games after placing him on the active/PUP list to begin training camp.
In comments from head coach Dan Campbell in April, he said McNeill "probably" wouldn't be ready for the "early part of the season," but clearly things have changed.
Detroit was recently dealt a tough blow when it was announced they would miss one of their top reserves along the defensive line, Levi Onwuzurike, to a season-ending ACL injury.
While nothing makes that ideal, an earlier return than expected from McNeill would help soften the blow. It would also leave the Lions less reliant on a rookie in Tyleik Williams and veteran in Roy Lopez, both of whom can provide fantastic depth but aren't sure things to make the kind of impact McNeill can.
The Lions must be cautious with their young stud defender, but an earlier-than-expected return would be a huge boost to Detroit's defense.
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