The Detroit Lions, through four games so far this season, are one of the top pass rushing defenses in the NFL. For all the talk of this being one of their biggest potential weaknesses headed into the year, it has shaped up to be one of the best parts of their defensive unit now helmed by Kelvin Sheppard.
Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad deserve a ton of credit on that front, as the two have helped to land Detroit atop the NFC North in both sacks and quarterback pressures leading into Week 5.
Of course, their run stopping could use some work, but that's about to be rectified sooner rather than later after a positive update from head coach Dan Campbell on Alim McNeill's recovery from a torn ACL.
Campbell said it's trending toward the Lions starting the practice window for DT Alim McNeill. Great news.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) September 29, 2025
McNeill set to return to practice soon, providing more pop to defensive line
McNeill hasn't suited up for the Lions since last season, going down in December with a torn ACL that landed him out of the postseason with Detroit. He was one of several key defenders that went down right before the Lions' big postseason push. The team has missed his presence as both a run stopper and a pass rusher, as he stacked up five stuffs, 11 stuff yards, 3.5 sacks, and 25 total tackles before landing on the IR.
"There’s a good chance we may start [Alim McNeill’s] clock this week. That's good. We want to make sure we check all those boxes before we send him. That's what we're gonna do, for sure. But, it's trending the right way. Mac's...he’s about ready to go," Campbell told reporters on Monday after the Lions' win over the Cleveland Browns at home in Week 4.
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McNeill is set to add to an already formidable Lions D-line that's taken shape this season. Hutchinson has already picked up four sacks and two forced fumbles, while Muhammad has been a lightning rod for the Lions' pass rush since Marcus Davenport went down with an injury.
His 3.5 sacks and three stuffs helped Detroit look like contenders against an elite team like the Baltimore Ravens, and he continued to flourish alongside Hutchinson against the Browns.
The Lions' next few opponents are a mixed bag: the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7.
Two out of the three of these upcoming opponents have quarterbacks that have a knack for eluding sacks, so a fortified defensive front would go a long way towards preventing one of Patrick Mahomes or Baker Mayfield from getting too comfortable in the pocket. McNeill's return could make that task whole lot easier.