The Detroit Lions are getting encouraging news on the injury front, particularly regarding defensive tackle Alim McNeill,

“We’re definitely ahead of schedule,” McNeill said, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I’m feeling really good, but I couldn’t give a timeline or specific date.”

Initially, McNeill was expected to return sometime between late October and early November after undergoing surgery that also included a meniscus repair. However, he’s experienced no setbacks in his recovery, and both he and general manager Brad Holmes have hinted that his comeback could happen sooner than expected.

If McNeill does return earlier, it would be a significant boost for Detroit’s defensive front. The team is already without Levi Onwuzurike, who re-signed on a one-year deal but will miss the entire 2025 season due to an ACL tear suffered last month. With Onwuzurike out, the Lions are likely to rely heavily on first-round pick Tyleik Williams to start the season. Still, McNeill’s presence, under contract through 2028 thanks to a lucrative extension, will be vital as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, defensive end Josh Paschal appears unlikely to return to the field in the immediate future. Head coach Dan Campbell, via Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, indicated that Paschal probably won’t be activated from the non-football injury (NFI) list before the season starts. If he stays on the NFI list, league rules will require him to miss at least the first four games of the season.

Paschal, also 25, is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Despite producing only five career sacks, he played a substantial role in 2024 with a 61% snap share. If he’s able to return and stay healthy, he could be a significant contributor and potentially draw interest in free agency next offseason. For now, though, the focus remains on his rehabilitation timelin