Dan Campbell Confirms Alim McNeill’s Return to Practice
The Detroit Lions received a major boost on Wednesday as head coach Dan Campbell announced that defensive tackle Alim McNeill has officially returned to practice. The move activates his 21-day evaluation window, giving the team time to decide when to add him back to the 53-man roster.
“We’re starting Mac’s clock today,” Campbell said. “He’s ready to go. I feel sorry for the guys who have to line up against him—he’s itching to practice.”
It marks McNeill’s first on-field action since tearing his ACL last December, and his return comes at a crucial point for Detroit.
What the 21-day window means
The Lions now have three weeks to assess McNeill in practice without rushing him onto the active roster. That gives Detroit flexibility on when to bring him back, with possible returns as soon as Week 5 against the Bengals, Week 6 versus the Chiefs, or Week 7 on Monday Night Football against the Buccaneers. They could also hold him out until after the Week 8 bye for added caution.
Why it matters
McNeill is a cornerstone of the Lions’ defensive line, known for his ability to plug running lanes and absorb double-teams. His presence would not only bolster Detroit’s already physical defense but also create more opportunities for edge rushers like Aidan Hutchinson and rookie Tyleik Williams.
At 3-1 and pushing for a third consecutive NFC North title, Detroit sees McNeill’s looming return as a timely lift. As Campbell hinted, opponents should be on notice once No. 54 is back in the trenches.
Leave a Reply