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The Detroit Lions are looking to rebound from a disheartening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. The 4-2 Lions will be missing key members of the secondary against Baker Mayfield and company in Week 7. Detroit will get a boost up front with the return of Alim McNeill.
The fifth-year defensive tackle will play against Tampa Bay on Monday after being activated by the Lions, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. McNeill will take the field for the first time last December, making his 2025 season debut in Week 7.
The veteran interior defender suffered an injury against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 last year. McNeill tore his ACL, forcing him to sit out the 2024 playoffs and delaying his 2025 season debut until Week 7.
The Bills opened his 21-day practice window on October 1. The move gave the team three weeks to activate McNeill or lose him for the season. Fortunately, the former third-round pick was able to return to practice this week and will suit up against the Bucs.
The Lions’ defense needs whatever help it can get at this point. Detroit’s secondary will be shorthanded for Monday night. Cornerback Terrion Arnold will miss his second straight game with a shoulder injury. Safety Joseph Kerby will sit out Week 7 with a knee ailment. And fellow safety Brian Branch is serving a one-game suspension.
Branch started a scuffle with Chiefs wideout JuUu Smith-Schuster at the end of Week 6’s loss to Kansas City. Punches were thrown as teammates struggled to break up the postgame melee. Branch was suspended by the league for his role in the fight. While the third-year pro appealed the decision, the NFL’s ruling was upheld and he’ll sit out against Tampa Bay.
McNeill was won of several major injuries the Lions suffered last season. While Detroit still managed to a 15-2 record, the team got bounced for the playoffs in the first round by the Washington Commanders.
In 2025, the Lions are attempting to reach the postseason for the third straight year. However, the team lost both its top coordinators, Ben Johsnon and Aaron Glenn, to head coaching jobs elsewhere.
The Lions look to get back on track against Baker Mayfield and a banged up Buccaneers team that’s off to a 5-1 start this season 5-1.
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