The Detroit Lions are gearing up for another national spotlight as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football at Ford Field. Tampa Bay enters the matchup at 5-1, sitting atop the NFC standings, while Detroit prepares to battle through mounting injuries in the secondary.
Despite several defensive backs being sidelined or suspended, the Lions finally have positive news on the injury front. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill is set to make his long-awaited season debut, and left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) has returned to practice in Allen Park — both critical boosts for the team.
The upcoming bye week couldn’t come at a better time. Following back-to-back primetime showdowns, the team is feeling the grind both physically and mentally. The week off will serve as a crucial reset, allowing Detroit to heal and regroup before the playoff push intensifies.
Safety Kerby Joseph will benefit from the extra rest for his knee, while defensive backs Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and Avonte Maddox (hamstring) look to recover. DJ Reed also remains on injured reserve with a hamstring issue.
On the latest Dungeon of Doom podcast from MLive, hosts Kory Woods and Ben Raven discussed how the timing of the bye week could help Detroit regain momentum.
“This is a great time for the Lions to hit the reset button,” Woods said. “They’re getting a lot of defensive help back, and it’s a perfect chance to re-evaluate what’s working — and what isn’t — before the stretch run.”
The Lions could soon welcome back edge rusher Marcus Davenport and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez as well. Rodriguez might be ready to return to practice after the bye, while Davenport is still working his way back.
Decker’s availability will depend on how his shoulder responds during the week, but one thing is clear — McNeill’s return is a game-changer for the defensive line. After facing the Buccaneers, Detroit will host the Minnesota Vikings, then embark on consecutive road games against the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles.
“Reinforcements are on the way,” Raven added. “McNeill is a massive piece to get back — absolutely huge.”
