Tyleik Williams is about to face stiff competition with latest Alim McNeill update

The Detroit Lions have been struggling to contain other teams' run games over their first two games.

The team has allowed 106 rushing yards per game and 212 total rushing yards on the year, compared to their own 111.5 rushing yards per game and 223 total yards. They've been handled by the likes of D'Andre Swift and Josh Jacobs while simultaneously struggling to get out of the gate with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in their backfield.

While they have some great run stopping defensive tackles on their line like rookie Tyleik Williams and DJ Reader, it's obvious they're missing the same brick wall feeling the line had back in 2024. That's why recent news of Alim McNeill's rehabbing and potential return soon is so huge for this defensive area in need of improvement.

McNeill slated for a return to Lions soon

According to Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network, McNeill feels "93-94" percent recovered from his ACL tear. Per Rogers:

"McNeill notes that if he needed to suit up and play a game this week, he’s confident he could. He also knows the smart thing to do is finish that last 6-7% of his recovery, particularly strengthening the muscles around the injury to a point that it’s stronger and more stable than it was before he went down."

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McNeill, 25, only played in 14 games with Detroit in 2024. In those games, he had 25 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a promising 11 stuff yards total.

McNeill obviously isn't going to be thrown back on the field anytime soon, despite him feeling this good on his injury timeline. Detroit will want to ramp him back up to game speed and physicality prior to inserting him in the lineup, and then there's the question of whether the team benches Williams for him once he returns.

Williams has been steadily improving with his reps in-game, but is still not 100% there with his run stuffing. With a huge game against the Baltimore Ravens coming up, and against Derrick Henry, Williams has an opportunity to stake his claim as Detroit's best option at left defensive tackle. If he can't piece together a few solid outings over the next few weeks, then McNeill's going to be the Lions' best bet to fix their hole at run stopper on that side of the D-line.