Detroit Lions Consider Alim McNeill Season Return Against Bengals

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill is making a strong push to return to game action as early as this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, with head coach Dan Campbell characterizing his chances at about 50-50. McNeill, recovering from an ACL tear sustained last December, has returned to practice this week and impressed the coaching staff with his readiness, although the team plans to be cautious in managing his workload during practice. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard praised McNeill’s effort and impact on the field, emphasizing the importance of patience and collaboration with medical staff to ensure a safe return. Teammates, including quarterback Jared Goff, expressed enthusiasm about McNeill’s potential return, noting his versatility and impact on the defensive line. The Lions have until midseason to activate McNeill from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but the team seems optimistic about his near-term availability. This return is expected to bolster the defensive line rotation and aid the development of rookie Tyleik Williams by providing veteran leadership and experience.