Former NC State DT Alim McNeil Returns from Injury in Regular Season Finale

Former NC State All-American Defensive Tackle Alim McNeil returned from injury yesterday, making it back for the Lions regular season finale. McNeil missed 4 games after spraining his MCL in Detroit’s 33-28 win over New Orleans on December 3rd.

Prior to hitting the Injured Reserve, McNeil had 31 tackles, 5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 9 QB hits and 1 pass breakup. The 5 sacks are the most by a Lions’ interior defensive lineman since Ndamukong Suh achieved the feat in 2014. Prior to injury, McNeil’s PFF Grade was 88.1, which is the 2nd highest grade on the team behind Defensive End Aidan Hutchinson.

McNeil returned today, recording 1 tackle and 1 QB Hit in the Lions’ 30-20 victory over Vikings in their regular season finale.

Welcome back, @AlimMcneill 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/qNstUprpSm

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 7, 2024

In his 3rd season professionally, McNeil has established himself as one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. His PFF Grade of 88.1 is the 5th best grade by a interior defensive lineman.

McNeil and the Detroit will host the Rams in the Wild Card Round of the Playoffs next Sunday night at 8pm.