On Tuesday, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell was still being a bit dodgy when it came to the availability of defensive tackle Alim McNeill. The Lions key defender has been practicing for the past two weeks, as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL suffered late last season, but he still currently remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
On Wednesday, during his weekly radio appearance on the Costa and Jansen with Heather show, Campbell dropped the facade. He confirmed that McNeill will make his first 2025 appearance this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
”Barring something happening this week, Alim’s freakin’ playing, man,” Campbell said.
When asked how much playing time he’ll get, Campbell suggested they’ll play it by ear, but he’s physically ready for a lot.
“We’ll take it as it comes. He’s gotten more reps over the last two weeks. He’s going to get more weeks in practice this week, too,” Campbell said.
In four seasons with the Lions, McNeill has produced 137 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, three passes defended and two forced fumbles. Last year, he was a key part of their pass rush, finishing tied for first on the team in pressures (45, per PFF) despite missing three games. He was also a force in the run game, earning a 64.5 PFF grade against the run, good for 24th among all defensive tackles.
Campbell said that even just having him out there on the field should help the players around him.
“He’s a type of guy who, he elevates the guys around him. He’ll elevate their level of play or their production. Just him being out there, because he’s going to draw a little bit of attention or they’re going to have to,” Campbell said.
And while he expects some rust from the fifth-year player, he doesn’t expect McNeill to take long to find his footing.
“Listen, this is his first game back so it’ll be—he’ll have to shake off a couple of cobwebs, but after what I’ve seen the last two weeks, it won’t take long,” Campbell said.
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