Lions’ McNeill Facing Delayed Start to 2025 Season After ACL Tear

Detroit to Proceed ‌with Caution on Star defensive Tackle’s Recovery

ALLEN PARK,Mich. ⁣—⁣ Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill is expected to miss a‍ significant ‍portion of ⁤the 2025⁢ season as​ he recovers from a torn ACL ‍suffered in Week 15 against the Buffalo⁤ Bills, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Tuesday. The ​injury, ⁣sustained in mid-December, promptly impacted the lions’⁢ defense and raised⁤ concerns about McNeill’s availability ⁤for the‌ upcoming ​season.

Campbell stated McNeill is ‌unlikely to be ready for training camp or the early‌ part of⁤ the ⁤season. The Lions, who‍ signed McNeill ⁤to a four-year extension in October, ​are​ prioritizing his long-term health and productivity.

“The big thing here is⁤ get him back healthy where he feels ‌good, he can‍ move, obviously ‌protect himself, but ⁢still be productive,”⁤ Campbell said.“And I think more than‍ anything, you want​ him⁤ getting back to where he felt like he ​was⁢ before the injury. That’s vital, at least for this year​ because that will be plenty.”

McNeill’s ⁤absence will be a blow to the Lions’⁣ defense. Last season, he recorded 25 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a forced ⁣fumble in 14 games.According to Pro Football Focus ⁣(PFF), he ‌ranked among the top‍ defensive tackles in the league, finishing t-15th in pressures (45) and 11th⁤ in overall PFF​ grade (79.6).

To address the defensive‍ line depth, the Lions re-signed Levi Onwuzurike, Pat O’connor, Marcus Davenport,⁤ and​ Al-Quadin Muhammad ⁤during the offseason.They also added defensive‍ tackle Roy Lopez in free agency.

Campbell indicated that the Lions⁢ are​ still evaluating options to further bolster⁣ the defensive line. ⁢“We’re not done, either… We​ don’t‌ know when. Maybe it will be the draft.We’re looking ‍at everything.It⁣ could be after the draft.‍ It might very well be⁢ any ​time.But,at this point with ⁣where ⁢we’re ​at,we do,we like where ⁤we’re⁣ at.”

How ​do the re-signings of Onwuzurike,⁣ Davenport, ⁣and Muhammad help mitigate the loss of McNeill in the short term?

Lions’ McNeill Facing Delayed Start too 2025 Season ‌After ​ACL Tear

frequently Asked Questions

This Q&A addresses key details about ⁣Alim ⁣McNeill’s injury and its impact on the Detroit lions.

What happened to​ Alim McNeill?

McNeill suffered a torn ACL in Week ⁤15 of the 2024 season against the Buffalo Bills. This injury will significantly impact his availability⁣ for the⁢ start of ‍the 2025 season.

When⁤ is McNeill expected to return?

Head coach ⁣Dan Campbell stated McNeill is unlikely to be ready for‍ training camp or ⁤the ​early ​part of the 2025 season.⁤ the lions are prioritizing his‍ full recovery,meaning his return might ​be gradual.

How ⁤meaningful is mcneill’s ‌absence for the Lions?

McNeill is‌ a key player. In 2024, ⁣he recorded 25 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and ranked highly among defensive tackles in pressures and ‌PFF grade. His absence will be​ a blow to the lions’ defense,⁢ as he is one of their top players.

What are the Lions⁤ doing ‌to address the defensive line?

The Lions have re-signed⁤ several defensive linemen, including Levi Onwuzurike, ​Pat O’Connor,‌ Marcus Davenport, and Al-Quadin ⁢Muhammad. they also‍ added Roy Lopez in free agency.⁢ They ​are also considering further additions, potentially through the draft or ‌free agency⁢ after the draft.

Why is the team prioritizing McNeill’s long-term health?

The Lions want mcneill to fully recover and return to his previous level of performance. They​ want him to be healthy, able to move ⁣well, and​ play productively,‌ and believe prioritizing his long-term health is crucial for his career and ⁣the team’s success.

Trivia:

ACL ⁢tears ‌typically ​require a recovery⁣ period of 9-12 ⁤months, which aligns with the expected timeline⁣ for McNeill’s return.

The Lions are focused on ensuring Alim McNeill’s long-term health,which means fans will have​ to be patient as ⁤he recovers.⁤ Keep an⁣ eye on⁢ the roster as the‍ team looks to bolster ⁤their defensive line.