Alim McNeill is 'physically ready' to return, but MNF status is still unclear

McNeill's return would be a massive boost for the Lions' struggling defense

There's a reason why Campbell and Lions fans have been so invested in McNeill's recovery. Not just because of how remarkable it is that he's returning so soon after the ACL injury he suffered last December, but because of how pivotal he would be for a struggling defense.

At the time of his injury, McNeill was considered among the best DTs in the league and strongly in the mix for an All-Pro selection. His pass-rushing grade of 93.9 led all defensive players, regardless of position, in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. PFF also listed McNeill as having a pass-rushing win percentage of 62.50% and a pressure rate of 40% -- both well above elite edge rushers like Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons.

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Pass rushing may not be as big an issue as Lions fans had thought it would be entering the season, given how elite the duo of Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad has been, but plugging in a strong pass-rushing interior defender like McNeill will assuredly provide those two more openings to get to the quarterback.

The Lions' defense will face a major test going up against a strong offensive line that protects MVP candidate Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has shown himself to be difficult to bring down, and his arm will pose enough issues for a depleted Lions' secondary. If McNeill returns on Monday, that would be a major boost for the Lions' defense and could go a long way toward limiting what Mayfield can do. Lions need all the help they can get to head into the bye week with a win.