The Detroit Lions will be entering the 2026 season carrying major expectations with one of the most talented rosters. However, they need to improve their No. 18-ranked defense. One player from the Lions' defense in particular is facing huge pressure before the season even begins. 

Detroit’s defensive line has undergone a lot of changes after the departures of veteran defenders D.J. Reader and Roy Lopez. In such a situation, Detroit’s defensive lineman, Alim McNeill, received the warning to bounce back.

“The biggest player to take a step this year, it’ll be make or break for this Lions defensive line, it’s Alim McNeill.” NFL analyst Booner, from Woodward Sports Network, raised the pressure for McNeill. "McNeill will have to play up to his contract."

The former third-round pick signed a four-year contract worth $97 million with $55 million guaranteed on October 16, 2024. Soon after, McNeill tore his ACL on December 15 of the same year against the Buffalo Bills. However, since returning during Week 7 of the 2025 season, McNeill will now have to step up and become a key part of the defensive line for the Lions.

“If we’re talking about a bounce back season, the guy that you play as all-pro defensive tackle, that’s never been to a Pro Bowl, you need him to step up," the analyst said.

The recovery process for ACL injuries is time-consuming. As reported by Jimmy Liao, MD of Detroit Lions Morning Rounds, McNeill posted a clip of himself playing basketball on Instagram.

Alim McNeill’s Bounce Back Could Be Key For The Lions 

McNeill was expected to anchor the interior defensive line, but his numbers saw a noticeable drop-off. Last season, the tackle was limited to ten games.

He finished the season with a 52.1 overall grade, a 61.3 pass rush grade, and a 47.2 run defense, recording 23 pressures and failing to register a sack. However, McNeill, before the injury, came off as a bigger threat in the defense.

Before the setback, while applying pressure on Josh Allen, McNeill had a 79.6 overall grade, a 77.1 pass rush grade, and a solid 64.5 run defense grade. McNeill also had 45 pressures and four sacks before his injury.

Now, after more than a year since the injury, McNeill will have had a full offseason to continue his progression. Lions will be hoping that he starts the 2026 season with the form he had before his injury.

Do you think Alim McNeill will bounce back this year? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar