Detroit Lions’ elite defensive tackle Alim McNeill suffered a season-ending ACL and meniscus tear in Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills last year. The injury caused the Lions to place him on the PUP list to start the season, sidelining him for the first four games. McNeill had his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday and has 21 days to practice with the team before being eligible to return to the active roster.
Detroit Lions announce game status of elite defensive tackle for Week 5
Lions coach Dan Campbell talks to defensive tackle Alim McNeill during warmups before the game against the Raiders on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at Ford Field.
Alim McNeill returned to practice in a limited capacity this week and impressed Dan Campbell, who said he looked pretty good. Heading into Friday, he had a 50-50 chance of playing in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but that will have to wait. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Lions have ruled McNeill out for the fifth consecutive game this season.
The #Lions ruled out DT Alim McNeill, who remains on the PUP list as he comes off knee surgery.
LT Taylor Decker and S Kerby Joseph are questionable.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 3, 2025
Who starts in his stead?
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (78) practices during OTA at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Tyleik Williams will start at defensive tackle for the fifth straight game alongside D.J. Reader. The first-round pick has had a decent start to his rookie season, recording two tackles, five pressures, and three stops over four games and 127 defensive snaps. Williams is auditioning for the other long-term defensive tackle role alongside Alim McNeill.
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