Alim McNeill Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Packers vs Lions game on Thursday with our National Football League injury report.Oct 20, 2025
Good to go vs. Tampa Bay
McNeill (knee) is active for Monday's game against the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
McNeill has fully recovered from a torn ACL in his right knee that he sustained in December. He started in all 14 regular-season games he played in 2024 and figures to reprise that role in his return Monday, which will likely lead to a decrease in snaps at defensive tackle for Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez and Patrick O'Connor.
Oct 20, 2025
Activated from IR
The Lions activated McNeill (knee) from injured reserve ahead of Monday's game against the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
McNeil is still listed as questionable for Monday night's contest. His activation from IR indicates that the 2021 third-rounder is on track to play, but his official status won't likely be known until the Lions announce their list of inactive players approximately 90 minutes before the 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff. McNeil is in the final stage of his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee that he sustained in December.
Oct 18, 2025
Gets questionable tag
McNeill (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game against the Buccaneers, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official sitereports.
ANALYSIS
McNeill has been sidelined for the entire 2025 season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Coach Dan Campbell indicated that McNeill will be available for his season debut in Week 7, though his status won't become official until shortly before kickoff Monday night.
Oct 16, 2025
Full-go at practice
McNeill (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
McNeill participation in practice without restrictions lends credence to coach Dan Campbell's statement that the 2021 third-round pick is on track to make his 2025 debut during Monday's matchup against the Buccaneers. Barring any setbacks, expect McNeill to be activated from the reserve/PUP list in time to suit up on Monday Night Football.
Oct 15, 2025
Expected back Week 7
McNeill (knee - ACL) is expected to make his regular-season debut versus the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football in Week 7, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Lions coach Dan Campbell said in an interview with 97.1 The Ticket on Wednesday that "barring something happening this week, [McNeill is] freakin' playing." The standout defensive lineman had his 21-day practice window opened Oct. 1, and he was a full participant at every practice Detroit held Week 6 while working his way back from a right ACL tear suffered last December. Expect him to be officially activated from the reserve/PUP list in advance of Monday's matchup.
Oct 10, 2025
Won't return for Week 6
McNeill (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports.
ANALYSIS
McNeill was a full participant in all three practices for the Lions' Week 6 prep, showing good progress in his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee that he suffered in December. He hasn't been cleared to return quite yet, but the Lions are targeting Week 7 against the Buccaneers on Monday, Oct. 20 as McNeill's 2025 debut, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Oct 8, 2025
Logs full practice Wednesday
McNeill (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
McNeill had his 21-day window to be reinstated from the reserve/PUP list opened Oct. 1, but he was not cleared to play against the Bengals in Week 5. He's opened the week with a full practice, and if he can participate without restriction in each of the next two days, he would put himself in good position to make his 2025 debut against the Chiefs on Sunday. The 2021 third-rounder is in the final stages of his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee that he suffered in December.
Oct 3, 2025
Chance to play Week 5
McNeill (knee) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
McNeill practiced in a limited capacity all week, and head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Friday that McNeill has a "50/50 chance" of playing Sunday, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. If McNeill isn't cleared to return from the reserve/PUP list Sunday, the fifth-year defensive tackle would still be in a good spot to make his 2025 regular-season debut in Week 6 against the Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 12. McNeill finished the 2024 regular season with 25 tackles (17 solo), including 3.5 sacks, one pass defense and one forced fumble across 14 games.
Oct 1, 2025
Officially limited Wednesday
McNeill (knee) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
The Lions officially opened McNeill's 21-day practice window Wednesday, and it's no surprise for him to be limited in his first on-field activity since suffering a right ACL tear Week 15 of the 2024 season. Once fully healthy, McNeill is expected to join DJ Reader as a starter along the interior of Detroit's offensive line. It's unclear whether he could have a chance to be activated to the 53-man roster in time to play Sunday versus Cincinnati.
Oct 1, 2025
Designated to return
McNeill (knee) was designated to return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports.
ANALYSIS
McNeill tore his ACL in Week 15 of last year and has missed the Lions' first four games this season. He now has 21 days to be added to Detroit's active roster before reverting to the reserve/PUP list. The NC State product is an integral part of the Lions' run defense, tallying 25 total tackles, including 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble over 14 regular-season games in 2024. Once healthy, he's expected to start alongside DJ Reader on Detroit's defensive line.
Aug 26, 2025
Begins year on PUP list
McNeill was placed on the reserve/PUP list Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
McNeill tore his ACL in Week 15 last season and is expected to be out at least the first two months of the season. His absence opens the door for rookie first-round pick Tyleik Williams to immediately start at defensive tackle next to DJ Reader, while Roy Lopez and Mikhi Wingo will also get extra tread. McNeill signed a four-year, $97 million contract in October of 2024, and he posted 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks through 14 games prior to his injury.
Jul 21, 2025
Likely to miss first few months
McNeill (knee) is expected to miss the first few months of the regular season, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
McNeill tore his ACL in December and was placed on the active/PUP list Thursday. With McNeill's absence expected to stretch well into the regular season and Levi Onwuzurike (knee) already ruled out for the entire 2025 campaign, the Lions will be shorthanded on the interior of the defensive line.
Jul 17, 2025
Added to active/PUP list
McNeill (knee) was placed on the active/PUP list Thursday.
ANALYSIS
McNeill is eligible to practice while on the active/PUP list, though he may not be ready to do so yet as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered in December. He's the favorite to start at defensive tackle once healthy.
Dec 17, 2024
Placed on IR
The Lions placed McNeill (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
As expected, McNeill will be on the Lions' injured reserve for the rest of the 2024 campaign after he tore the ACL in his right knee during Sunday's 48-42 loss to the Bills. With McNeill sidelined, Levi Onwuzurike is slated to move into the second starting defensive tackle role alongside DJ Reader.
Dec 16, 2024
Tears ACL
McNeil sustained a ruptured ACL during Sunday's game versus the Bills, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
As suspected after he was forced out of action early in Week 15, McNeil will spend the rest of the season on the sidelines. His absence likely means that veteran DJ Reader will start at defensive tackle next to Levi Onwuzurike for the remainder of the year.
Dec 15, 2024
Injury believed to be serious
Speaking after Sunday's loss to the Bills, coach Dan Campbell said he doesn't feel good about the chances of McNeill (knee) playing again this season, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
It's yet another potentially serious injury for the Detroit defense, as McNeill was injured in the third quarter Sunday and ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly after. Levi Onwuzurike is next up for snaps on the interior of the Lions' defensive line, a unit that has already lost seven players to injured reserve. Detroit's offense may have to turn things up a couple notches the rest of the way in order to make up for all of the injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
Dec 15, 2024
Suffers knee injury Week 15
McNeill has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against Buffalo due to a knee issue.
ANALYSIS
McNeill was injured midway through the third quarter and was ruled out a few minutes before the end of the period. Prior to his exit, the defensive lineman tallied one tackle. Levi Onwuzurike could be in line for a bigger workload in McNeill's absence.
Dec 13, 2024
Clears protocol
McNeill (concussion) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bills.
ANALYSIS
McNeill practiced in full all week after sustaining a concussion in the Lions' Week 14 win over the Packers, and his omission from Friday's injury report indicates he has cleared the NFL's five-step protocol. With McNeill and DJ Reader both at full health, they're expected to cause problems for the Bills' interior run game in Week 15.
Dec 11, 2024
Records full practice Wednesday
McNeill (concussion) was a full practice participant Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
McNeill left last Thursday's win over the Packers early due to a concussion, but the extended time off between that game and the start of this week's practice schedule appears to have given him ample time to recover. Nonetheless, McNeill will need to clear the NFL's concussion protocol in order to suit up Sunday against the Bills.
Dec 5, 2024
Done for rest of Thursday night
McNeill (head) has been ruled out for the rest of Thursday's contest versus the Packers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
McNeill returned to the game in the first half after suffering a head injury early in the contest, but was ruled out following halftime. In his absence, Brodric Martin and Myles Adams will handle the majority of the work at defensive tackle.
Dec 5, 2024
Returns to TNF
McNeill (head) returned to the field Thursday night versus the Packers, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
McNeill briefly exited the game in the first half to be evaluated for a concussion, ultimately returning to the field. He'll continue to operate as the top option on the interior defensive line against Green Bay.
Dec 5, 2024
Being evaluated for concussion
McNeill (head) left in the first quarter of Thursday's game and is being evaluated for a concussion, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
McNeill was forced to leave Thursday's game after taking a hit to the head while making a tackle on Josh Jacobs on the Packers' first offensive drive. The Lions are already without DJ Reader (shoulder), Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) and Josh Paschal (knee) for Thursday's game, so Brodric Martin should see more snaps at defensive tackle for as long as McNeill is sidelined.
Oct 15, 2024
Lands four-year extension
The Lions signed McNeill to a four-year contract extension Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
A third-round pick by the Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft, McNeill was in the final year of his rookie deal but will now spend the foreseeable future in Detroit. McNeill has started 41 of the 52 games he's appeared in with the Lions, logging 120 tackles (54 solo), including 10.5 sacks, 24 QB hits and one forced fumble. Playing 63 percent of the defensive snaps through five games to open the 2024 season, McNeill has eight tackles (five solo), including 2.5 sacks, four QB hits and one pass deflection. With Aidan Hutchinson (leg, IR) done for the year, the Lions will need others, including McNeill, to step up in the pass-rushing department.
Oct 14, 2024
Two sacks in blowout victory
McNeill recorded four total tackles (two solo), including 2.0 sacks, in Sunday's 47-9 win over the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
McNeill got to Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott twice in the Detroit's blowout victory, recording a sack in both the second quarter and fourth quarter. It was the second straight game in which the defensive lineman was able to get to the opposing quarterback and he's now halfway to his career-high 5.0 sacks he set last season. Through five games in 2024, McNeill has now compiled eight total tackles (five solo), including 2.5 sacks, while also registering a pass defensed.
Sep 27, 2024
Full go at practice
McNeill (shoulder) was a full participant at the Lions' practice Friday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
McNeill left the team's 20-13 win over the Cardinals in Week 3 with a shoulder injury, but he appears to be a full go ahead of Monday's matchup with the Seahawks. The defensive lineman has recorded two solo tackles through three games this year.
Sep 23, 2024
Day-to-day with shoulder issue
McNeil is considered day-to-day after leaving Sunday's win over the Cardinals with a shoulder injury, per Jordan Shultz of Bleacher Report.
ANALYSIS
McNeil didn't return to Sunday's contest after sustaining his shoulder injury, but it now appears the issue won't sideline the first-year Lion for too long. McNeil's practice participation throughout the week will provide a better indication of his possible availability for Week 4, as the Lions take on the Seahawks on Monday night.
Sep 22, 2024
Ruled out
McNeil (shoulder) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
The starting defensive tackle did not record a stat before exiting. Kyle Peko, Levi Onwuzurike and Mekhi Wingo are Detroit's backup defensive tackles.
Sep 22, 2024
Leaves with shoulder injury
McNeill exited Sunday's game against the Cardinals with a shoulder injury and is questionable to return.
ANALYSIS
McNeill didn't record anything on the stat sheet prior to leaving the game. The Lions have been dealing with injuries all over the defense Sunday, having already lost Derrick Barnes to a knee injury. DJ Reader and Levi Onwuzurike will have to take on more of the snap load up front for Detroit while McNeill is out.
Feb 27, 2024
Totals five sacks in 2023
McNeill logged 32 tackles, five sacks, one pass breakup and one forced fumble over 13 games in 2023.
ANALYSIS
McNeill consistently looked like one of the best players on a Detroit defense that made huge improvements in run defense between 2022 and 2023. Finishing among the top-20 defensive tackles in sacks, McNeill's contributions as a pass rusher were also important for a unit that is struggling to find a complement to star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. With each of McNeill and Hutchinson under contract in 2024 alongside a strong group of linebackers, the Lions defense, at a minimum, is returning the key pieces that made them an elite run defense in 2023.
Jan 7, 2024
Good to go
McNeil (knee) will be available for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
McNeill was activated off injured reserve Saturday and subsequently labeled as questionable for the regular season finale. He has not played since Week 13. Barring any setbacks, look for him to take on his usual role on Detroit's interior defensive line.
Jan 6, 2024
Activated from IR
McNeill (knee) was activated from the Lions' injured reserve list Saturday.
ANALYSIS
He's still listed as questionable for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Vikings after practicing in a limited capacity all week. McNeil sustained the knee injury in Week 13 against the Saints. He's registerd 31 tackles (16 solo), including 5.0 sacks, and one forced fumble over 12 games this season.
Jan 5, 2024
Questionable for Sunday vs. Vikes
McNeill (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
McNeill was a limited participant at practice all week, so his availability for Week 18 seems close to a coin-flip proposition. If he can't play Sunday, it will probably mean more snaps for rookie third-rounder Brodric Martin.
Jan 3, 2024
Back at practice Wednesday
McNeill (knee) participated at practice Wednesday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
His presence at practice signals that Detroit has designated McNeill for return from its injured reserve list. The Lions' injury reports during the week will give an idea of whether he could suit up in Week 18.
Dec 22, 2023
Chance to return this season
McNeill (knee) is expected to return to the field this season, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
McNeill was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury Dec. 5, but head coach Dan Campbell said Friday that the team is optimistic he will return before the end of the season, saying that he feels "good about getting him back". The earliest the defensive tackle could return is Week 18 against the Vikings.
Dec 5, 2023
Moves to IR
McNeill (knee) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
McNeill's move to IR is a bit surprising as head coach Dan Campbell only referred to the NC State product as, "a little banged up," after Sunday's win over the Saints. However, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, McNeill suffered a sprained knee in the contest. The 23-year-old will miss at least the next four weeks, while Pelissero noted he could be ready for the playoffs.
Dec 4, 2023
Dealing with injury
McNeil (undisclosed) is a little banged up and could miss Week 14 against the Bears, according to head coach Dan Campbell, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
McNeil managed to play through whatever his injury was against the Saints but seems to have come out of the game worse for wear. His practice status in the days ahead should shed better light on his chances of suiting up against Chicago.
Feb 4, 2023
Posts 41 tackles in 2022
McNeill recorded 41 tackles and one sack over 17 games in 2022.
ANALYSIS
Becoming a building block for the Lions upfront, McNeill also flashed significant upside as an IPD asset (among defensive tackles) during his second season, like in Week 11 against the Giants when he racked up four tackles, one sack and 10 QB pressures -- the most for a 320-plus pound defensive lineman since at least 2006, per Pro Football Focus. The 2021 third-round pick figures to remain a key piece of the Detroit defense in 2023, when McNeill should continue to log upwards of 80 percent of the defensive snaps per game.
Jul 29, 2021
Working with starters
McNeill is seeing the majority of first-team reps at nose tackle during the opening days of training camp, Justin Rogers of the Detroit News reports.
ANALYSIS
A third-round pick out of NC State, McNeill has reportedly impressed veteran teammates with both his strength and quickness. While it's possible he's partly getting so many reps with the first team because of John Penisini's return from shoulder surgery, that seems unlikely considering Penisini seems healthy and has "looked good" to open training camp. Barring injury, McNeill seems like the favorite to open the regular season in the starting lineup.
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