The long wait for defensive tackle Alim McNeill's return may finally be coming to an end. After going from "50/50" odds to "51/49" odds, head coach Dan Campbell appeared more confident than ever that McNeill's return was imminent.
Speaking with the media on Tuesday, Campbell provided an update with where McNeill is at:
"I mean, he looked good last week. He's - the last two weeks, he's looked good. He's getting more comfortable, legs are under him, he's physically ready, and so I think we're all hopeful."
When asked if McNeill could return Sunday, Campbell offered his most optimistic and lighthearted tone yet, saying, "I'd love to believe so. I mean, I would - 58, 52, 48, 58 - I don't know." Campbell's joke referencing his previous odds to McNeill's return drew laughter from himself and the media, but he followed that with a more direct answer, saying, "We're getting closer. I'm starting to feel pretty good."
Coach Campbell on Alim McNeill's progress pic.twitter.com/jVUCBbBFEP
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 14, 2025
McNeill's return would be a massive boost for the Lions' struggling defense
There's a reason why Campbell and Lions fans have been so invested in McNeill's recovery. Not just because of how remarkable it is that he's returning so soon after the ACL injury he suffered last December, but because of how pivotal he would be for a struggling defense.
At the time of his injury, McNeill was considered among the best DTs in the league and strongly in the mix for an All-Pro selection. His pass-rushing grade of 93.9 led all defensive players, regardless of position, in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. PFF also listed McNeill as having a pass-rushing win percentage of 62.50% and a pressure rate of 40% -- both well above elite edge rushers like Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons.
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Pass rushing may not be as big an issue as Lions fans had thought it would be entering the season, given how elite the duo of Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad has been, but plugging in a strong pass-rushing interior defender like McNeill will assuredly provide those two more openings to get to the quarterback.
The Lions' defense will face a major test going up against a strong offensive line that protects MVP candidate Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has shown himself to be difficult to bring down, and his arm will pose enough issues for a depleted Lions' secondary. If McNeill returns on Monday, that would be a major boost for the Lions' defense and could go a long way toward limiting what Mayfield can do. Lions need all the help they can get to head into the bye week with a win.