The Lions are 4-2 after losing to the Chiefs in Week 6. They are in second place in the NFC North after six games. The Packers are 3-1-1 and are already in their bye week.
In Week 7, the Lions will be at home against the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Wednesday morning, Lions head coach Dan Campbell appeared on a local Detroit sports radio show. He provided a positive injury update for one player who started the season on IR. Detroit’s head coach noted that starting DT Alim McNeil is scheduled to make his season debut in Week 7 against Tampa Bay.
Alim McNeil will make his 2025 season debut for the Lions in Week 7 against the Bucks.
That’s a great addition. https://t.co/vI67rnMmkf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2025
During the 2024 campaign with the Lions, Alim McNeil started 14 games. In Week 15 against the Bills, McNeil suffered a season-ending torn ACL. In late December 2024, McNeil underwent knee surgery. Alim McNeil was placed on injured reserve at the start of the 2025 season. He missed at least the first four games of the year. Two weeks ago, the Lions opened up a 21-day practice slot for McNeil.
If the 25-year-old is unable to return within those three weeks, he will miss the entire 2025 season. But that’s not something Lions fans should sweat. Recently, head coach Dan Campbell appeared weekly on “97.1 The Ticket.” Campbell shared a positive injury update, saying DT Alim McNeil is scheduled to play in Week 7.
from @GMFB: of #Cowboys We have a chance to get WR CeeDee Lamb back this week. #chief Please bring back Laci Rice, and #Lions DL Alim McNeil will likely be on the field. pic.twitter.com/z9guy2Mkqv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2025
McNeil’s return will be a major addition to Detroit’s defensive line. In the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Lions selected Alim McNeil from North Carolina State University. In his first four seasons, McNeil appeared in 61 games and started 50. Alim McNeil is set to be a full-time starter for the 2022 Lions season. During the 2024 season, Alim McNeil totaled 25 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell noted that when Alim McNeil is playing well, he lifts up his teammates. When McNeil gets the attention of the offense, it allows his teammates to win one-on-one games. Campbell called Alim McNeil a “vital part” of their roster. The Lions are eager to have McNeil back for the game against MNF and the Buccaneers. Alim McNeil, who has been out for more than 10 months, could get a snap count on Monday.
