Top 10 injury news of Lions 2024 season - No. 3: Alim McNeill
Top 10 injury news of Lions 2024 season - No. 3: Alim McNeill
After losing their most important defensive lineman, Aidan Hutchinson, on October 13, 2024, the last thing the Lions could afford was another major loss along the line. That's exactly what happened two months later when their second-most important defensive lineman, Alim McNeill, tore his ACL.
This injury was brutal because not only did it impact the 2024 season, it will have a significant impact on the 2025 season as well.
No. 10: Alex Anzalone's forearm
No. 9: Ifeatu Melifonwu's turbulent year
No. 8: Christian Mahogany's delayed debut
No. 7: James Houston's ill-fated comeback
No. 6: David Montgomery's mysterious knee
No. 5: Carlton Davis jaw fracture
No. 4: The fortuitous offense
ACL Injury video - December 15, 2024
McNeill lands hard and awkwardly on an extended right leg. He immediately feels something is wrong.
IMPACT OF INJURY
McNeill missed the final three games of the regular season. The Lions were able to overcome his loss and win those games securing the #1 seed and bye.
However, the lack of impact along the defensive line was a glaring problem in the playoff loss to the Commanders. Stopping the run and pressuring the passer were both inadequate, and McNeill would have made a difference in both aspects.
INTERESTING CONTRACTUAL NOTE
Just two months prior to his ACL tear, McNeill signed a four year, $97 million extension ($55 million guaranteed) tying him to the team through the 2028 season. This is a good example of why it is often wise for a player to sign the big-money extension as soon as possible.
OUTLOOK
Unfortunately, due the late-season timing of the injury, the upcoming 2025 season will be significantly impacted as well. An ACL is usually around a 10-11 month recovery. This timeline would give him a chance to return in October, but a mid-November return is likely more realistic.
When he returns, don't expect him to immediately be the same player, as it will take him some time to get back to full strength and confidence.
The good news is that ACL recoveries are very reliable, and McNeill should return to his typical high level of play at some point - hopefully by the end of the 2025 season. Aiding his recovery is his youthful age of 25, which will help him to continue making plays like this....
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