Released linebacker Ty Summers from the active roster
Signed cornerback Arthur Maulet from the practice squad to the active roster
Activated defensive tackle Alim McNeill
Elevated defensive end Tre Flowers and defensive back Loren Strickland from the practice squad
McNeill’s return is especially notable, as the talented defensive lineman had been sidelined for weeks and is expected to provide a huge boost to Detroit’s run defense. Maulet’s promotion also brings much-needed depth to a secondary decimated by injuries.
With several defensive backs listed as out for Monday night’s matchup, including Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Terrion Arnold, Detroit’s latest moves appear aimed at shoring up their defensive depth chart against a dangerous Tampa Bay passing attack led by Baker Mayfield.
Kickoff for Monday Night Football between the Lions (4–2) and Buccaneers (5–1) is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN.
The Detroit Lions have released their initial Week 7 injury report ahead of Monday night’s primetime showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Thursday’s report features several key names, including Terrion Arnold, Kerby Joseph, Avonte Maddox, and DJ Reader, all of whom did not practice. While the list is lengthy, there’s optimism that some players could trend upward as the week progresses, particularly with Taylor Decker and Alim McNeill both returning to limited or full participation.
Player
Position
Injury
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Game status
Terrion Arnold
CB
shoulder
NP
Kerby Joseph
S
knee
NP
Avonte Maddox
DB
hamstring
NP
DJ Reader
DT
back
NP
Sione Vaki
RB
groin
NP
Taylor Decker
T
shoulder
LP
Zach Cunningham
LB
hamstring
FP
Alim McNeill
DT
knee
FP
The Bottom Line
It’s still early in the week, but Thursday’s injury report serves as a reminder of the toll the season has already taken on the Lions’ defense. The status of Arnold, Joseph, and Reader will be closely monitored as the team prepares for a high-stakes NFC matchup under the lights. On the bright side, Alim McNeill’s full participation and Taylor Decker’s limited return are encouraging signs for a Detroit team looking to bounce back in front of its home crowd.
The Detroit Lions spent their Tuesday making a few quiet but intriguing roster moves as they prepare for Monday night’s primetime matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While the team typically rests on Tuesdays, the schedule shifted this week because of the Monday night game, and Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell used that time to tweak the depth chart, just a little.
The biggest move came when the Lions waived safety Loren Strickland from the active roster. No immediate replacement was announced, which could be a sign that one of Detroit’s key defenders, Alim McNeill, is ready to return from injury.
Campbell hinted at that possibility earlier in the week, saying the team was “hopeful” McNeill would be activated soon. His presence would be a huge boost for a defensive line that’s been patching things together over the last few weeks.
Two Familiar Faces Return to the Practice Squad
Detroit also welcomed back a pair of players it recently waived: defensive tackle Chris Smith and offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun. Both cleared waivers and are now back with the Lions on the practice squad.
Smith and Eguakun have been part of Detroit’s depth rotation throughout the year and provide valuable flexibility as injuries continue to test the roster. Bringing them back makes sense, they know the system, they’re coachable, and they’ve already earned the staff’s trust.
Campbell often talks about wanting “gritty” players who can step in and do their jobs without needing extra time to get up to speed. Smith and Eguakun fit that mold perfectly.
Veteran Cornerback Kendall Fuller Joins the Fold
The Lions didn’t stop there. They added a familiar NFL name to their practice squad: veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller.
Fuller, who is a former Super Bowl champion, brings a wealth of experience and could be a sneaky addition to a secondary that’s been battling injuries. Originally a third-round pick by Washington in 2016, Fuller has played eight seasons in the league, six with Washington, two with Kansas City, and most recently spent time with the Miami Dolphins.
If he can stay on the field, Fuller gives Detroit a seasoned veteran presence who can step in if injuries strike again in the defensive backfield.
The Big Picture
The Lions are 4–2 heading into their Monday night showdown with Tampa Bay, and these small roster tweaks show a front office that’s staying flexible, forward-thinking, and prepared for the long haul.
Detroit’s depth has already been tested this year, but with smart moves like these, and the potential return of Alim McNeill, the team’s overall roster health is trending in the right direction.
As Dan Campbell likes to say, it’s all about “stacking good days.” And on Tuesday, the Lions quietly stacked another one.
The Detroit Lions are 4–2 heading into Monday night’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and for the first time in weeks, Dan Campbell had a little optimism in his voice when it came to the team’s injury report.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Campbell said the Lions are hopeful to have defensive tackle Alim McNeillback in the lineup against Tampa Bay.
“Alim is coming along,” Campbell said. “We’re hopeful this is the week we get him back out there.”
McNeill’s return could not come at a better time, especially with Tampa’s offense built around Baker Mayfield’s quick throws and short-yardage gains. Having No. 54 back in the middle helps both the pass rush and the run defense, two areas that dipped in his absence.
Terrion Arnold and Avonte Maddox Closing In on Returns
Campbell also provided encouraging updates on a pair of defensive backs. Terrion Arnold and Avonte Maddox are both expected to return to practice following the bye week, which means Detroit could soon have its full secondary intact.
Campbell said both are “on the right track” and should be ready to go shortly after the bye.
Marcus Davenport Still Needs Time, but Progress Is There
While the news on McNeill, Arnold, and Maddox is positive, Marcus Davenport will likely take a bit longer. Campbell admitted that the veteran edge rusher is still a few weeks away from returning, though he’s trending in the right direction.
The timeline? Campbell hinted at late November or early December for a potential return.
That might sound distant, but it’s actually encouraging given the initial uncertainty surrounding Davenport’s injury. Campbell was upbeat when describing the team’s long-term outlook, saying, “By the end of November or early December, we could be quite healthy.”
Malcolm Rodriguez on Track After Knee Procedure
Another familiar name on the mend is Malcolm Rodriguez, who underwent a cleanup procedure on his knee during the offseason. Campbell said Rodriguez’s recovery has been “a little behind” McNeill’s but emphasized that he’s progressing well.
The staff hopes to “start rolling him out there a little bit” after the bye week and slowly get him back into football shape. Since being drafted by the Lions, Rodriguez has been a steady contributor on both defense and special teams, and getting him back in rotation will help keep the linebackers fresh down the stretch.
Kerby Joseph Playing Through It
Finally, Campbell addressed the situation with Kerby Joseph, who continues to manage a knee injury. The Lions plan to handle Joseph carefully but don’t intend to shut him down.
Campbell said the approach is simple: as long as Joseph’s knee isn’t at risk of significant worsening and he can still perform at a high level, he’ll be on the field Monday night.
That’s classic Campbell: if a guy can go, he’ll go. And Joseph, one of Detroit’s most instinctive playmakers, rarely wants to sit.
The Big Picture
Detroit’s defense has been shorthanded for much of the season, yet it remains one of the NFC’s toughest units. The Lions rank near the top of the league in points allowed per game and continue to show depth and resilience each week.
Now, with McNeill, Arnold, and Maddox nearing returns, and players like Davenport and Rodriguez progressing steadily, this unit could soon return to full strength.
Campbell summed it up best: by late November, this team could be as healthy as it has been all year, just in time for the stretch run.
The Detroit Lions are heading into Sunday night’s primetime clash against the Kansas City Chiefs with plenty of uncertainty on the injury front. Head coach Dan Campbell’s squad is banged up, and the official injury report confirms it.
According to Friday’s update, the Lions have ruled out four players while listing six more as questionable for their Week 6 showdown at Arrowhead Stadium.
Out for Week 6
Four players have officially been ruled out for Detroit:
Terrion Arnold (shoulder)
Zach Cunningham (hamstring)
Alim McNeill (knee)
Sione Vaki (groin)
It is no surprise to see Arnold, Cunningham, and Vaki listed as OUT, but Lions fans were hoping this week would be the week that Alim McNeill made his triumphant return. It looks like next week will be the week for him.
Questionable Players
Six more Lions are listed as questionable, leaving several game-time decisions ahead of Sunday night:
Brian Branch (ankle)
Taylor Decker (shoulder)
Kerby Joseph (knee)
Avonte Maddox (hamstring)
Giovanni Manu (knee)
Kalif Raymond (neck)
Campbell confirmed that Branch and Joseph are both “truly 50-50,” meaning the secondary could be missing multiple starters against Patrick Mahomes. Taylor Decker continues to battle through a painful shoulder injury that’s been described as a “lingering issue,” while Avonte Maddox and Kalif Raymond were limited throughout the week.
The Big Picture
If Branch and Joseph can’t go, the Lions’ defense could be missing four starters in the secondary, an unenviable situation heading into a matchup with Kansas City’s passing attack.
The Lions have managed to weather the injury storm so far, entering Week 6 at 4-1, but this will be one of their biggest depth tests yet.
The Detroit Lions have officially released their final injury report for Week 5 as they prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon at Paycor Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET, and the Lions will once again be dealing with a handful of important player health questions.
Key Storylines to Watch
This week has been all about Alim McNeill, who had his 21-day evaluation window opened earlier in the week. On Friday, Dan Campbell called his status “50/50,” and we now know he McNeill is OUT for Sunday’s game.
Meanwhile, the Lions continue to manage injuries to multiple starters. Campbell and his staff have emphasized caution with key players this early in the season, especially with a long road still ahead.
Defensive Secondary Concerns
The secondary remains an area of focus after D.J. Reed was moved to injured reserve earlier in the week. That means Terrion Arnold’s status looms even larger, as the second-year corner has been nursing a shoulder issue.
Final Week 5 Injury Report
Here’s where things stand for Detroit heading into Sunday: As you can see, four players have been ruled OUT, while Taylor Decker and Kerby Joseph are both QUESTIONABLE.
Why It Matters
The Lions enter this matchup at 3-1 with a chance to solidify their place near the top of the NFC standings. But facing the Bengals on the road means they’ll need contributions from across the roster. The absence of D.J. Reed is a concern, but the possible return of McNeill could be the swing factor in slowing down Cincinnati’s offense.
The Detroit Lions’ defense could be getting a major boost soon. Head coach Dan Campbell revealed Monday that the team may open Alim McNeill’s practice window this week as he recovers from a torn ACL.
Campbell said McNeill is “trending the right way” and offered perhaps his most optimistic update yet: “Mac, he’s about ready to go.”
The defensive tackle has been sidelined since suffering the injury last season, but his return would be a huge lift for a Lions defensive front that already features Aidan Hutchinson, D.J. Reader, and rookie Tyleik Williams. McNeill’s ability to control the middle and disrupt the run game made him a breakout performer before the injury, and Detroit is eager to get him back on the field.
If McNeill’s practice window does open this week, the Lions would have 21 days to officially activate him from the physically unable to perform list.
Pro Football Focus recently released a 2021 NFL re-draft, and unfortunately for the Detroit Lions, their original picks in the actual draft didn’t fall their way this time around. Originally, the Lions made an outstanding selection with offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 7 overall, but in this re-draft scenario, they had to go a different route.
Sewell Snatched By Bengals
In the re-draft, Penei Sewell was off the board early, going to the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 5 overall. According to Pro Football Focus, Sewell has been as good as advertised since entering the NFL, with an impressive career grade of 90.8. The Bengals, with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase unavailable in this re-draft, opted for the sturdy tackle to protect their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow.
The Lions, unfortunately, missed out on Sewell, who has been a vital part of their offensive line since joining the team.
Miami Grabs St. Brown
To make matters even more painful for Lions fans, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was originally drafted in the fourth round by Detroit, soared all the way to No. 6 overall in the re-draft, going to the Miami Dolphins. St. Brown’s rise in the league has been meteoric, finishing in the top five of Pro Football Focus’ receiver rankings over the past two years.
With St. Brown off the board, the Lions were forced to look elsewhere.
Christian Darrisaw: A Solid Consolation Prize
In this re-draft, with both Sewell and St. Brown gone, the Lions were “forced” to settle for Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw at No. 7 overall. Though losing out on Sewell stings, Darrisaw is hardly a bad option. In fact, he’s emerged as one of the best tackles in the NFL, boasting a stellar career grade of 92.4 and ranking among the top blockers in the league over the past two seasons. It’s not Sewell, but the Lions still land a quality starter to anchor their offensive line.
Alim McNeill Cracks The First Round
In another twist, Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who recently signed a 4-year contract extension with Detroit, ended up being selected with the No. 17 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the re-draft. McNeill, originally selected in the third round by the Lions, has developed into one of the league’s premier interior defensive linemen. In 2023, McNeill was ranked as the eighth-best interior defender by Pro Football Focus.
The Raiders, who originally selected Alex Leatherwood with the No. 17 pick, corrected their mistake by nabbing McNeill to fortify their defensive front.
The Lions’ Re-Draft Takeaway
Though the Lions missed out on their original stars like Sewell and St. Brown, Pro Football Focus’ re-draft still left Detroit with a solid pick in Darrisaw. And seeing McNeill skyrocket into the first round reinforces the notion that the Lions’ scouting and draft approach has been on point in recent years. While settling for Darrisaw may not feel great in comparison to retaining Sewell or St. Brown, the Lions still come out of the re-draft with foundational players, proving their draft class was loaded with talent.
