Alim McNeill Practices At Full Health - Rumor To Play Vs Chiefs HEATING UP!
McNeill had become a legitimate interior pass-rush threat, collapsing pockets and forcing quarterbacks off their spots
McNeill’s Return - A Game-Changer
The Detroit Lions are bracing for one of their toughest matchups of the season this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs. And while all eyes will be on Patrick Mahomes and the Lions’ secondary, the most important addition for Detroit might be in the trenches: defensive tackle Alim McNeill.
After tearing his ACL (and meniscus) last December against Buffalo, McNeill has been rehabbing for nearly 10 months. Now, he’s on the verge of returning — and his presence could be the difference between slowing down the Chiefs’ offense or letting them dictate the game.
The Injury & The Comeback
McNeill went down on December 15, 2024, in what was shaping up to be his best season as a pro. The injury ended his year prematurely and left Detroit without its most disruptive interior defender during the final 3 games of the regular season & playoff push.
Fast forward to this fall: McNeill’s practice window was opened in early October, and coaches have raved about how sharp he looks. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said after watching him in drills:
“It’s amazing when you watch those practice clips. He does not look like a player that hasn’t practiced in nine months. He looks like he’s been in training camp.” [ESPN, Oct. 2025]
2024 Season Before Injury
According to Pro Football Reference
Games Played: 14
Tackles: 25 (17 Solo / 8 Asst)
Pressures: 18 (Career High)
Tackles for Loss: 7 (Career High)
Sacks: 3.5 (Career High 5)
QB Hits: 7 (Career High 10)
Those numbers don’t just show production — they show growth. McNeill had become a legitimate interior pass-rush threat, collapsing pockets and forcing quarterbacks off their spots. Playing at an elite level when the defense was decimated is not easy. Offenses are able to scheme you up and lock you out, McNeill found a way to produce.
The Impact & Presence On Field
Run Defense Anchor
McNeill’s size (6’2”, 320 lbs) and leverage make him a natural run-stuffer. Against a Chiefs team that mixes in Isaiah Pacheco’s physical running style, his ability to clog lanes is critical.
Interior Pass Rush
Mahomes is at his most dangerous when he can step up in the pocket. McNeill’s bull rush and quick first step prevent that, forcing Mahomes to drift outside where Detroit’s edge rushers can close.
Freeing Up Teammates
With McNeill commanding double teams, it opens lanes for Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad to win one-on-one matchups. His presence makes the entire front four more effective.
Rotational Stability
Without McNeill, rookies like Tyleik Williams and veterans like DJ Reader have shouldered heavy snaps. Getting McNeill back allows Detroit to rotate fresher bodies and keep the line explosive late in games.
While most of his presence may not be felt immediately due to the first game likely under a low pitch count for his initial games snap load. It will not take long to realize the difference he will have on the field and for all players on that front seven.
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Why It Matters Against Kansas City
The Chiefs’ offensive line is built to protect Mahomes inside-out. If Detroit can’t generate interior pressure, Mahomes will carve up even a healthy secondary. McNeill’s return gives the Lions a chance to disrupt the timing of Kansas City’s passing game and force them into uncomfortable down-and-distance situations.
As Dan Campbell put it earlier this week:
“Alim changes the math for us. He’s a load inside, and when he’s in there, it makes everybody else’s job easier.” [USA Today, Oct. 2025]
Rocks Final Take
The Lions don’t just need Alim McNeill back — they need him at his disruptive best. His return against the Chiefs could tilt the balance in the trenches, giving Detroit the push it needs to control the line of scrimmage. Not taking anything away from what Tyleik & Reader have done this season, this just adds an entirely new dimension to winning with natural pressure.
If McNeill looks anything like the player he was before the injury — a mixture of power interior pressure with career-best production — the Lions’ defense instantly becomes more dangerous. And against Mahomes, that’s the only way to survive.
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