Alim McNeill already being at '50/50' to return is encouraging for upcoming games

McNeill's impending return would be a miraculous recovery for the talented defender. It would also be a huge boost for the Lions' defensive front, which has already done well to stop the run and may potentially have an elite pass-rushing duo. At the time of his injury, McNeill was considered a lock for his first Pro Bowl selection and a strong contender for his first All-Pro nod.

However, Friday's injury report officially listed McNeill as "Out." It's a better safe than sorry approach as McNeill shouldn't be necessary on Sunday. The Bengals have struggled on offense, largely due to their poor play on the offensive line and run game.

McNeill would have likely been limited, but getting a few live game reps would have helped bring him up to speed for an upcoming gauntlet of games against potential playoff teams with a bye week in between.

The first of those matchups would be against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have rebounded from their 0-2 start while defeating the Baltimore Ravens by a larger margin than the Lions did in Week 3. The Chiefs have a solid offensive line, but their leading rusher is quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Afterward, it's the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, followed by a bye week. Then it's the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Commanders. It doesn't get easier after that, either.

The key upcoming game to keep an eye on would be the Week 12 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have a strong run game, and their infamous "tush push" vaulted them to Super Bowl champions. McNeill should be fully up to speed by then, which would be significant as he'll arguably be the single most important Lion for that game.

Because of that, don't be surprised if Campbell approaches McNeill with a degree of caution in the weeks leading up to ensure he can make a maximum impact in that game.

Kerby Joseph return to practice adds to the good news

The Lions received more good news on Friday as safety Kerby Joseph returned to practice. Joseph has missed practice all week for a knee injury suffered in the Lions' 34-10 win against the Cleveland Browns on top of lingering issues dating back to training camp.

Campbell described Joseph's injury as not "something out of the norm," but that he has been dealing with some things "physically." Campbell expressed confidence in Joseph's trajectory, saying, "I think we're on the uptick with him.

Joseph's return to practice is great news, given the recent surge of injuries to the Lions' secondary. On Wednesday, cornerback D.J. Reed was placed on the Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury after he was carted off the field last Sunday.

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The Lions' other starting CB, Terrion Arnold, also left the Browns game with a shoulder injury. Arnold was at risk of missing time, but has since returned to practice himself. Both Joseph and Arnold are expected to play against the Bengals, whose star receiving duo could pose a test for the secondary.

It hasn't been a perfect week for the Lions on the injury front, but the potentially sudden return of one of their best defenders, along with avoiding serious injuries for two starting members of the secondary, comes as a big relief for one of the league's top defenses and a fanbase haunted by injury woes last season.