The Detroit Lions have been one of the most injured teams in the league, and their tough luck continued last week when defensive tackle [Alim McNeill suffered a head injury](https://sidelionreport.com/lions-dt-alim-mcneill-exits-thursday-night-s-game-for-good-with-head-injury) and entered concussion protocol.
McNeill's abrupt exit highlighted the potential need for more beef up front down the stretch. This week, [Bleacher Report has offered](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145871-nfl-team-needs-prioritizing-every-rosters-biggest-weaknesses-before-week-15) an immediate solution in free agent defensive tackle Mike Purcell.
_"One negative stemming from Thursday's win is that the Lions are getting thin at defensive tackle. DJ Reader missed the game while Alim McNeill exited early, forcing the defense to dive deep into the depth chart in the trenches."_
"W_hile Reader and McNeill could return to action soon, it'd be smart to add a veteran like Purcell to the practice squad at least. That would give the team another big-bodied option on the interior defensive line in case the injuries continue to pile up heading into the playoffs."_
Even if the Lions get McNeill back healthy, the suggestion to add another veteran up front is a good idea. The Lions already lost depth on the interior with Mekhi Wingo and Kyle Peko, and have been dealing with less-severe injuries to Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal and DJ Reader recently.
Having Purcell to rely on could provide another advantage for the Lions down the stretch, and could give them another healthy veteran to chip in fast in the event of another emergency.
In terms of players available on the market, Purcell is an interesting veteran for the Lions to consider. The 33-year-old has been in the league since 2013, seeing his longest stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos. He signed with the New England Patriots near the start of training camp this year, but he among their roster cuts before the season.
The Lions have recently added veterans like Kwon Alexander and Jamal Adams to play specific roles for their defense as they deal with injuries, and Purcell is another name of that ilk.
The Lions have done a fantastic job finding appropriate players to cover for injuries to the defense. Purcell lands as another possibility, surely driven by any lingering concerns over the health of current interior defensive lineman.