Detroit faced a growing list of absences heading into Thursday night’s matchup against the Packers.
The Detroit Lions entered Week 14 with an NFL-high 13 players on injured reserve ahead of their Thursday night clash against the Green Bay Packers.
Three defensive linemen were already ruled out for the NFC North showdown, and now another player has been sidelined during the game at Ford Field.
The team confirmed defensive lineman Alim McNeill has been ruled out after suffering a head injury and being evaluated for a concussion in the first half.
This marks the second time this season the Lions have faced the Packers without defensive tackle D.J. Reader (shoulder), defensive end Joshua Paschal (knee), and defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring).
It’s another setback for a Lions team holding onto the NFC’s top seed and a one-game lead over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North standings.
McNeill, 24, has been a crucial part of the Lions’ defensive line, especially after edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson sustained a season-ending injury earlier this year.
Earlier this year, the Lions extended McNeill’s contract for four more years, joining Jared Goff, Penei Sewell, and Amon-Ra St. Brown as players signed to long-term deals this season.
McNeill holds a Pro Football Focus grade of 79.5 in 2024 and ranks seventh among interior defensive linemen with 40 quarterback pressures.
He exited Thursday night’s game after registering a single tackle against Green Bay.
