The scene was grim when Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill went down during the Week 15 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Shortly after, the worst was confirmed—a torn right ACL, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. His injury only added to the mounting defensive setbacks that plagued Detroit.
As the season wrapped up and players cleared out their lockers, McNeill admitted uncertainty about his recovery timeline.
“I have no clue about the timeframe,” he stated. “Right now, I’m just taking it day by day and focusing on the process.”
Recovering from an ACL tear typically takes anywhere from 9 to 12 months. However, it remains unclear whether McNeill sustained additional knee damage, which could further complicate his rehab.
Medical Expert Weighs In on McNeill’s Future
During Super Bowl week in New Orleans, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press spoke with Dr. David Chao of Sports Injury Central about the Lions’ extensive injury woes.
McNeill’s late-season injury inevitably puts his availability for the start of next season in question. Dr. Chao identified him as the biggest concern among Detroit’s injured players.
“Alim McNeill is the biggest worry,” Dr. Chao revealed. “I think it’s going to be tough for him to be ready for the start of the season. Tough, but not impossible. If the Lions can get him back at full strength for the second half of the season, that would be a win.”
Detroit has historically exercised extreme caution when handling player injuries, and McNeill is expected to follow the same conservative recovery approach. He’ll be gradually reintroduced to practice when deemed ready, and his return to game action may not happen until deep into the season.
With McNeill’s availability uncertain, addressing the defensive tackle position could become a priority for the Lions in free agency or the NFL Draft.
