After a loss to the Chiefs in Week 6, the Lions are 4-2. They are second in the NFC North after six games. That’s because the Packers are 3-1-1 and have already had their bye week.
In Week 7, the Lions will play the Buccaneers at home on Monday Night Football. On Wednesday morning, Lions head coach Dan Campbell appeared on a local sports radio show in Detroit. He provided a positive injury update for one player who started the season on IR. Detroit’s head coach noted that starting DT Alim McNeill will make his season debut in Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay.
Alim McNeill will make his 2025 season debut for the Lions in Week 7 vs. the Bucs
That’s a big damn addition. https://t.co/vI67rnMmkf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2025
During his 2024 campaign with the Lions, Alim McNeill played and started 14 games. Against the Bills in Week 15, McNeill suffered a season-ending ACL tear. At the end of December 2024, McNeill had knee surgery. To start the 2025 season, Alim McNeill was on injured reserve. He was out for at least the first four games of the year. Two weeks ago, the Lions opened McNeill’s 21-day practice period.
If the 25-year-old doesn’t make it in those three weeks, he’ll miss the entire 2025 season. That’s not something Lions fans should sweat about, though. Recently, head coach Dan Campbell made his weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket. Campbell shared a positive injury update, saying DT Alim McNeill is on track to play in Week 7.
By @GMFB: The #Cowboys have a chance to get WR CeeDee Lamb back this week, the #Chiefs get back Rashee Rice, and the #Lions will likely see DL Alim McNeill on the field. pic.twitter.com/z9guy2Mkqv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2025
McNeill’s return would be a huge boost for Detroit’s defensive line. In the third round of the 2021 NFL draft, the Lions selected Alim McNeill out of NC State. Through his first four seasons, McNeill played in 61 games and made 50 starts. He has been a full-time starter for the Lions since 2022. During his 2024 campaign, Alim McNeill had 25 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell noted that Alim McNeill lifts his teammates when he plays well. When McNeill draws more attention from offensive linemen, his teammates can win one-on-one. Campbell called Alim McNiell a “critical piece” in their squad. The Lions are excited to get McNeill back in action for MNF vs. the Buccaneers. After being out for more than ten months, Alim McNeill could have a quick count on Monday.
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