Rehab Journey of Lions DT Is Coming to End: 'I Had to Get Back'

All signs are pointing to Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill making his season debut on 'Monday Night Football.'

In an ironic twist, the Lions are expected to don their black jerseys in Monday's game, which would be the first time they've done so since McNeill suffered his season-ending ACL injury. McNeill has been in his return to practice window for the last three weeks, and Dan Campbell has stated that he expects the talented defensive tackle to return to action against Tampa Bay on Monday.

McNeill has remained positive throughout the lengthy recovery process, refusing to get down. He's been fueled by his desire to return to action and help the defense.

“I wouldn’t say it’s been difficult. I know people go through stuff with injuries all the time, I’m not downplaying that," McNeill said Thursday. "For me, I just went through it the only way I knew how. I would wake up, go work out, positive days when I work out, go home, get some recovery in. That’s just how I was. I just woke up and knew I had to put in some work. I had to get back, I had to get back just for me mentally, my mental state. I just put in the work every day and tried not to complain because it doesn’t change nothing. You can complain, and you’ve still got to rehab the next day.” 

The defensive tackle is anticipating emotions to accompany his return to the field, but won't allow those to overcome his desire to return to a playmaking role.

He told reporters Thursday that he hasn't dealt with any setbacks since returning to the practice field and feels confident in his ability to have an impact against Tampa Bay's offense.

“Just knowing me, I don’t take things for granted at all, it’s for sure gonna be a huge moment," McNeill said. "But just knowing me, it’s just gonna be game day for me. I’m not trying to make a big deal out of it and all this and that. People get hurt and come back all of the time, so why would I make a big deal out of it? Let’s just go play football. I know how I’m gonna be. I’m just gonna go out there and hoop, and do what I do. But it is gonna be a big deal, a big day, in the back of my head.”