Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill faced a major setback during Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills when he tore his right ACL, ending his season early. The injury compounded the defensive injuries that plagued the team, and McNeill’s absence was a blow to their defensive line.
When he spoke after the season, McNeill was uncertain about his recovery timeline, stating, “I have no clue about the time frame. I’m just taking it day by day and going through the process.”
Typically, recovery from an ACL tear takes between 9-12 months, although McNeill’s case could be complicated by additional knee damage that might affect his rehab. His status for next season remains unclear, and only time will reveal his progress as the offseason unfolds.
During Super Bowl week in New Orleans, Dr. David Chao of Sports Injury Central discussed McNeill’s injury with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Dr. Chao expressed concern over McNeill’s ability to be ready for the start of next season. He noted, “McNeill’s situation is the biggest worry. It will be tough for him to be back at the start of the season, but if he’s able to return and perform at a high level later in the season, that would be a win.”
The Lions have a cautious approach with players recovering from major injuries, and McNeill will likely be no exception. His recovery will be monitored closely, and the team will ease him back into practice when appropriate. If McNeill is not fully ready for the beginning of the season, the team may look to strengthen their defensive tackle position through free agency or the draft.
