Dr. Chao: Alim McNeill Is the ‘Biggest Concern’ for the Beginning of the 2025 Season
The Detroit Lions could be without one of their defensive tackles to start the 2025 season.
Alim McNeill suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament against the Buffalo Bills, just ahead of the postseason.
The talented defensive lineman was enjoying a solid campaign prior to his season-ending injury. He recorded 25 tackles, 45 quarterback pressures and 3.5 sacks in 14 games.
Appearing on radio row with the Detroit Free Press, Sports Injury Central’s Dr. David Chao shared what he thought about the rash of injuries suffered by the Lions last season.
“Alim McNeill’s the biggest worry. I think that’s gonna be tough to be ready for the start of the season,” said Dr. Chao. “Tough, not impossible, but if you can get him back for the second part of the season to be himself, that would be pretty good. So that’s what the hope has to be.”
Coaching changes
Detroit will enter the 2025 season with a myriad of new coaches.
After having a nice run of success since 2022, the New York Jets and Chicago Bears poached Detroit’s coordinators after the conclusion of the 2024 season.
For the talented defensive tackle, dealing with changes is just part of life in the National Football League.
“I feel like it happens to teams every year. Players move in and out, coaches move in and out, you’ve just got to roll with the punches and keep going,” said McNeill. “You’ve just got to get better every year as a player, do what you need to do out there and it’ll all take care of itself.”
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills in December 2024. This injury has raised concerns about his availability for the start of the 2025 NFL season. Dr. David Chao, a sports injury expert, commented on McNeill’s situation, stating, “Alim McNeill’s the biggest worry. I think that’s gonna be tough to be ready for the start of the season. Tough, not impossible, but if you can get him back for the second part of the season to be himself, that would be pretty good. So that’s what the hope has to be.”
The typical recovery timeline for an ACL tear ranges from 9 to 12 months, depending on various factors such as the severity of the injury and the individual’s rehabilitation progress. Given that McNeill’s injury occurred in December 2024, a return at the beginning of the 2025 season in September would be on the shorter end of this recovery window. Therefore, it’s uncertain whether he will be fully ready to play at the start of the season.
In light of McNeill’s uncertain status, the Lions may consider bolstering their defensive line depth through free agency or the draft. One potential target is defensive lineman B.J. Hill from the Cincinnati Bengals. Hill recorded three sacks and 32 pressures in the 2024 season and is projected to command a two-year, $18 million contract in free agency. Adding a player like Hill could provide valuable depth and serve as insurance during McNeill’s recovery.
The Lions will likely monitor McNeill’s rehabilitation closely and make roster decisions accordingly to ensure the team’s defensive line remains strong heading into the 2025 season.
