Tag: alim mcneill

Outlook of injured Detroit Lions heading into 2025 season

Outlook of injured Detroit Lions heading into 2025 season, including Alim McNeill, Malcolm Rodriguez, Amik Robertson and more

A disappointing end to the Lions 2024 season was in large part due to the inability of the defense to make stops. The list of defensive players missing by the end of the season was long. Unfortunately, not all will be ready for the start of next season.

Here is the outlook of the players who were not playing at the end of the year due to injury. Their contract status is included, and as you can see, many of these players are unrestricted free agents who may not be back with the Lions next season regardless of health status.

Last year, the Lions started OTA (organized team activities) on April 15. Training camp started on July 27.

The new NFL season starts on September 4, 2025 with the Super Bowl champs hosting. The Lions could be playing on that date if the Eagles, Commanders, or Chiefs win the Super Bowl since the Lions have road games with all those teams.

Players who may not be ready for game one

Alim McNeill – Right ACL, December 15 (Signed through 2028 season)

-ACL’s usually recover around 10-11 months. Hope to see McNeill playing around November.

Malcolm Rodriguez – Right ACL, November 28 (Entering final year of rookie contract)

-Hope to see Rodriguez playing around October.

Signed players who should be ready by training camp

Aidan Hutchinson – Left tib/fib fracture, October 13 (Entering 4th year of rookie deal with 5th-year option.)

-Hutchinson, who was targeting a limited participation in the Super Bowl, should be ready to participate at least in a limited fashion for OTA.

Amik Robertson – Left humerus fracture, January 18 (Entering final year of 2-year contract)

-Early reports suggest that Robertson will likely be ready for OTA.

Mekhi Wingo – Right knee, Nov 28 (Entering 2nd year of 4-year rookie contract)

-The diagnosis is unknown. Assuming it’s not an ACL, there is a good chance Wingo is ready for the start of training camp if not much earlier.

Ennis Rakestraw – Hamstring/illness, November 23 (Entering 2nd year of 4-year rookie contract)

-Rakestraw may have been active if the Lions advanced to the conference championship, so he should be full-go for all offseason activities.

Unrestricted free agents who should be ready by training camp

Carlton Davis – Jaw fracture, December 15

Kevin Zeitler – Right hamstring, January 5

Marcus Davenport – Left elbow, September 22

Derrick Barnes – Right MCL/PCL with surgery, September 22

John Cominsky – MCL with surgery, July 30

Ifeatu Melifonwu – Right hamstring strain, January 18

Kyle Peko – Left pec rupture, October 13

Pat O’Connor – Calf, January 5

Khalil Dorsey – Right tib/fib fracture, December 15

Emmanuel Moseley – Illness, January

Exclusive rights free agent who should be ready by training camp

Connor Galvin – Left MCL with surgery, August 8

 

Lions roster moves: 3 defenders placed on I.R., Anthony Pittman returns

Detroit Lions roster moves: 3 defenders placed on I.R., Anthony Pittman returns and some practice squad swapping

Tuesday is typically the player’s day off for the Detroit Lions at the team’s practice facility. It’s also often the day when player personnel moves get made, and this Tuesday after the Lions loss to the Bills was no exception.

As expected, the Lions placed three defensive players on injured reserve. All three were injured in Sunday’s 48-42 defeat:
DT Alim McNeill
CB Carlton Davis
CB Khalil Dorsey

McNeill (knee) and Dorsey (leg) are out for the season, while there’s a chance Davis could return from a broken jaw before the Super Bowl, should the 12-2 Lions make it that far.

The Lions added one player to the active roster. The previously reported move was signing former Lions LB Anthony Pittman from the Jaguars practice squad.

Detroit also made a swap on the practice squad. The Lions added cornerback Stanley Thomas-Oliver to the practice squad and released EDGE Isaiah Thomas.

That leaves two openings on the 53-man active roster heading into Wednesday’s practice to get ready for Sunday’s game at Chicago against the Bears.

 

NFC playoff picture: Lions RB David Montgomery could miss rest of season with MCL injury

Lions RB David Montgomery could miss rest of season with MCL injury

The Eagles (12-2) earned an impressive 27-13 win over the Steelers (10-4) in Week 15, and then they received even better news when the Buffalo Bills defeated the Detroit Lions 48-42 at Ford Field.

The win dropped Detroit to 12-2 on the season, keeping Philadelphia within striking distance of the No. 1 seed. Because Philadelphia’s two losses came to NFC teams, the Eagles would need to win out and have the Lions lose to the Bears, 49ers, or Vikings in their next three games. The Vikings would need to lose to either the Bears, Seahawks, Packers, or Lions down the stretch for Philadelphia to earn the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage.

The news that star running back David Montgomery could miss the remainder of the season with an MCL injury adds more uncertainty to the Detriots’ stretch run.

On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Lions would be without starting defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s loss to Buffalo, ending his season.

Schefter reports that starting cornerback Carlton Davis III suffered a fractured jaw in Sunday’s loss. Davis will undergo surgery and be sidelined indefinitely. Head coach Dan Campbell said the Lions also lost cornerback Khalil Dorsey to a season-ending ankle injury during Sunday’s game.

The injuries are the latest setbacks for the Lions’ defense, with 13 defensive players on the injured reserve list entering Sunday’s game. That includes star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in Week 6.

The loss to the Bills snapped the Lions’ 11-game winning streak. The Lions (12-2) are still in the top spot in the NFC playoff bracket, holding the tiebreaker over the Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) based on winning percentage in conference games, with three games to go.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen was 23-34 passing for 362 yards (10.6 avg), two touchdowns, and a 122 passer rating; Allen also had ten strong carries for 69 yards (6.9 avg) and two touchdowns.

Buffalo running back James Cook had 14 carries for 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Bills wide receiver Ty Johnson exploded for five catches for 114 yards.

While the Detroit defense struggled on the day, the Lions offense exploded. Jared Goff, who passed for 494 yards and five touchdowns, went 38-59. Amon-Ra St. Brown exploded with 14 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns.

Detroit’s dynamic duo at running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, was held to 8 carries for 31 yards and a touchdown, while David Montgomery was held to five carries for four yards.

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Lions lose DT Alim McNeill and CB Carlton Davis to long-term injuries

Lions lose DT Alim McNeill for the season and CB Carlton Davis for at least the rest of the regular season to injuries

Another week down in the NFL and another set of injuries occur to the Detroit Lions defense. To this point, when was the last time the Lions played a game without any sort of significant injury to one of their defensive players? It feels like since July, they’ve been hampered by injuries.

 

After yesterday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, it was evident that cornerback Carlton Davis and defensive tackle Alim McNeill were injured. Both players were helped off the field, and it didn’t take long for announcements that both players were out for the game.

For McNeill, he will be done for the season as he tore his ACL. It’s unfortunate as he had been playing at such a high level for much of the season. According to PFF, McNeill has earned a 78.9 overall grade (10th in DL rankings) this season. He recorded 33 hurries (4th) and 40 total pressures (11th) with 4 sacks on the year. The Lions do have DJ Reader, but replacing McNeill will be tough this late into the season.

 

As for Carlton Davis, he suffered a broken jaw and will need surgery. He’s set to miss up to sixweeks due to the injury. If all goes right for the Lions, they could have Davis back for the NFC Championship. Prior to the injury, Davis had been playing some of his best football.

Since Week 9, Davis had an overall grade of 83.1 (among players with a minimum of 100 snaps played), per PFF. He also has a coverage grade of 86.4, which leads the league as well. The Lions will need to get creative in replacing Davis. Not just because of how productive he’s been but his backup, Khalil Dorsey, is also going to miss the rest of the season with a fractured leg that he suffered against Buffalo.

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The Lions certainly control their own destiny, but the injuries continue to mount for their defense. That makes it difficult to believe they find ways to stop the opposition moving forward. Despite there being a small glimmer of hope for the Lions to win the Super Bowl, one thing is for sure: never count a Dan Campbell-led football team out.

Lions postgame medical report following the Bills game

Lions postgame medical report following the Bills game, with updates on McNeill, Davis, Dorsey and more injured Detroit players

The playoffs can’t come soon enough for the Lions as the defense is running low on players to even limp to the finish line. Multiple defenders went down vs the Bills including two key starters in Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis.

Postgame, Dan Campbell delivered pessimistic outlooks on those two: “We’ll know more [Monday], I don’t feel good about either one of those guys… for the rest of the year.”

UPDATE: On Monday, reports confirmed that McNeill is out for the season with an ACL, and Davis is out for six weeks with a fractured jaw.

Dan Campbell on Monday stated that David Montgomery is having surgery and is out for the season.

Definitively lost for the season also is Khalil Dorsey who is a valuable backup CB and special teams player.

Here are the injuries seen on initial look including suspected diagnoses:

Carlton Davis – jaw 1q 12:30 & 2q 13:29

UPDATED: Davis confirmed to have a fractured jaw and is out six weeks. If accurate, he has a chance to be back for the NFC championship game which is in six weeks. 

In the 1st quarter, Davis took a shot to the left side of the helmet during a tackle and was out for one play. In the 2nd quarter, video is obscured but you can presume that he took a blow to the left side of his head again. Afterwards, trainers are seen checking out his left jaw area, and he did not return to the game.

This wouldn’t be the first time this year that Davis has taken trauma to the left side of his head. Back in Week 6, a cleat hit the left side of his helmetless head. It’s uncertain if all these injuries are related.

David Montgomery – right MCL 2q 7:39

UPDATE: Dan Campbell reports that Montgomery is having knee surgery and is out for the year. 

It’s not clear when the injury happened. The suspicious play is when he got his right leg tangled up at the end of a run. The next carry after that, it appeared his right leg gave out on him. He stayed in another play before leaving for the rest of the half.

Montgomery returned to start the 3rd quarter with a visible right knee wrap. He was able to play into the 4th quarter and looked fine doing so. After the game, Dan Campbell stated he’s “a little banged up”. Hopefully, this is just a mild knee sprain or contusion and nothing unexpected shows up on MRI.

Khalil Dorsey – right tibia and fibula fracture near the ankle 2q 1:47

Dorsey will be out for the season. His fracture is similar to Aidan Hutchinson’s except Dorsey’s appears to be lower down the leg and closer to the ankle joint. It was officially listed as an ankle. Thus, there is concern for joint damage here which potentially makes it a more complicated injury than Hutchinson’s which spared the joint. Dorsey will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Interestingly, Dorsey was at high risk for the same injury last year when he made a tripping tackle on kick coverage. The impact force on that play last year looked much greater than the one that broke his leg this year. This epitomizes the fluky nature of many NFL injuries.

Alim McNeill – right ACL 3q 7:20

UPDATED: McNeill confirmed to have an ACL tear. Full recovery is generally very reliable but lengthy. Expected return would be around October-November 2025, thus the injury affects next season also. Hopefully, there is no associated meniscus damage along with the ACL. 

Video was not obvious here. It’s not clear exactly which step he hurt his knee but suspecting it was the final step when he comes down hard on a straight leg. Best case scenario would be a mild bone bruise or knee sprain. Meniscus damage is a possibility. Worst cases are an ACL or a fracture. We should know the prognosis very soon.

Terrion Arnold – passed concussion evaluation 4q 14:00

Arnold went up high to defend a pass and landed hard on his back causing his head to whiplash onto the turf. This easily could have caused a concussion, but he presumably passed the evaluation and finished out the game. Delayed symptoms are unlikely but possible, and we should know that by the first practice on Wednesday.

Brian Branch – right upper leg strain 4q 4:12

This is the second time in two games that Branch has reached for his right upper lateral leg area after a tackle. He did this last week vs the Packers also. In each instance, he was awkwardly bent over to the side while making the tackle.

He was able to stay in the game both times, but there may be a mild underlying injury that he has been battling through. A muscle/tendon or iliotibial band strain are possible.

Two Lions defenders suffer terrible injuries vs. Bills

Two Lions defenders suffer terrible injuries vs. Bills, with Khalil Dorsey and Alim McNeill both being carted off the field

The injury bug bit the Lions extremely hard Sunday against the Bills.

After losing cornerback Carlton Davis to a jaw injury, two more defenders suffered terrible injuries.

Cornerback Khalil Dorsey was carted off with a leg injury after a collision. Then during the second half, defensive tackle Alim McNeill was carted off with a knee injury.

McNeill being quickly ruled out doesn’t seem to be a good sign for his injury diagnosis. We’ll see for sure soon but very unfortunate to see after McNeill was having a strong season.

Lions vs Bills: Final injury report medical analysis plus injured reserve player update

Lions vs Bills: Final injury report medical analysis plus injured reserve player update on when some of those Lions might return

Coming into the season, the Detroit Lions offense was expected to be the strength of this team. That is even more so now with the offense in excellent health coupled with a defense riddled with injury. This past week, Dan Campbell acknowledged that the offense would shoulder more responsibility and to expect the aggressive 4th-down decisions to continue.

With Taylor Decker’s return after missing two games, the Lions offensive starting unit is fully intact and most key reserves are healthy as well. The offense will need to put up points to stay ahead of a high-powered Bills offense which boasts the leading MVP candidate, Josh Allen, and will feature the return of two impact pass catchers in Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman.

The Lions defensive line trended sharply upward during the week with DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and Alim McNeill all rapidly progressing to the point that they are definitively in. The linebacker unit took a surprise hit with Trevor Nowaske’s midweek concussion.

The Bills defense will have a banged-up secondary with a starting CB out and both starting safeties nursing injuries with questionable status.

DETROIT LIONS

Out – Trevor Nowaske LB, (UL NP NP)

This backup LB played 64% of snaps last game. Presumably he got a concussion in Wednesday’s practice which will force him to miss this game.

At LB, Jack Campbell played 100% of snaps last game and expect that to continue. Ezekiel Turner (34%), Kwon Alexander (34%), David Long (32%), Jamal Adams (16%), and Ben Niemann (2%) are candidates to fill the void.

In – Alim McNeill DT, concussion (FP FP FP)

See my initial injury report analysis for the full timeline of his concussion. There was also concern for a non-concussion head or jaw issue. Very good news that everything has resolved quickly.

In – Taylor Decker OT, knee (FP FP FP)

A suspected right MCL and right high or medial ankle sprain on November 24 forced him to miss two games. With his return, the entire offensive starters are intact. Dan Skipper, who filled in admirably at LT, will return to his normal role as jumbo TE and 9th-string WR.

In – DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP LP FP)

Reader hurt his left shoulder on Thanksgiving in a manner that is concerning for a shoulder subluxation and missed one game. While a subluxation is still a possibility, his quick return gives hope that it was just a mild shoulder strain.

In – Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (LP LP FP)

A left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Hamstrings can easily take multiple weeks so it’s good to see that this one was mild.

In – Josh Paschal DE, knee (LP FP FP)

A right knee injury on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Video did not suggest anything too concerning.

Injured reserve list update

Returning soon:

  • Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expect his 21-day practice window to open early next week with a possible return to play in week 17 (49ers) or week 18 (Vikings).
  • Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expected by the start of the playoffs. His 21-day practice window should open after next week’s Bears game.

Uncertain but hopeful to return soon:

  • Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return next week vs the Bears. Keep an eye on if his 21-day practice window opens early next week. If it doesn’t open next week, that implies he is at least three more weeks away.
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Same situation as Rakestraw. Eligible to return next week vs the Bears. Hope for his 21-day practice window to open early next week. If it doesn’t open next week, that implies he is at least three more weeks away.

Early playoffs at best:

  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – He is eligible to return anytime but has not had his 21-day practice window opened yet. This implies he is at least 3 weeks away. At this point, his earliest projected return would be in the playoffs. Dan Campbell on December 9 corroborated a multi-week timeline stating he’s “better… There’s a chance we could get him in a few weeks.” While there are no details about his neck injury, this update is reassuring that it isn’t anything overly serious.

Late playoffs at best:

  • Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in the Super Bowl although Jay Glazer reported a few days ago that the NFC championship game is a possibility. Currently nine weeks from injury, the bone should be close to healed at this point. Hutchinson has significant expected atrophy in his legs so it all depends on how quickly rehab goes.
  • John Cominsky, MCL surgery – Initial estimate projected a January return at best.
  • Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to be back.

Not expected to return:

  •  Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
  •  Marcus Davenport, left elbow
  •  Kyle Peko, left pec
  •  Mekhi Wingo, right knee

NFL IR PLAYOFF RULES

Lions can return as may IR players as they want in the playoffs as long as it doesn’t add up to more than 10 for the entire year (regular season + playoffs). So far, the Lions have returned three (Brodric Martin, Emmanuel Moseley, Ifeatu Melifonwu).

BUFFALO BILLS

Credit to @BangedUpBills for help with the analysis. The Bills had a walkthrough on Wednesday and a virtual meeting only on Thursday.

Out – Rasul Douglas CB, knee (NP NP NP)

This starting CB has not missed a game this year but will miss his first after hurting his left knee last game.

Questionable – Taylor Rapp S, neck/shoulder (NP NP LP)

Rapp hurt himself two weeks ago and was limited in the last game despite playing every snap. He may continue to try to play through but there are rumors that he will be out.

Questionable – Damar Hamlin S, back/ribs (FP NP LP)

This starting safety has played in every game this year logging close to 100% of snaps including 100% last game. Unless something significant happened during walkthroughs, he’ll likely play. He has 2 interceptions this year.

Questionable – Dalton Kincaid TE, knee (FP FP FP)

Expect this starting TE to play after missing the last three games due to a PCL. He is a very good receiver with 34 receptions for 356 yards this year.

Questionable – Dawuane Smoot DE, wrist (FP FP FP)

Smoot missed the last four games on IR with wrist surgery but is eligible to return on Sunday. He typically plays about 50% of snaps.

Questionable – Baylon Spector LB, calf (FP FP FP)

After missing four games on IR, Spector is eligible to return on Sunday. He has started multiple games this year.

Questionable – Casey Toohill DE, ribs (LP LP LP)

Toohill is a backup DE who plays about 25% of snaps.

Questionable – Quintin Morris TE, shoulder/groin (FP FP FP)

Morris is a backup who has 2 receptions for 16 yards this year.

Questionable – Tylan Grable OT, groin (FP FP FP)

Grable has not played since September 23.

In – Keon Coleman WR, wrist (FP FP FP)

This 2nd-round rookie will return after missing the last four games. He has 22 catches for 417 yards which is second on the team behind Khalil Shakir (735 yards).

Here is the full report:

Dan Campbell offers very positive Lions injury update ahead of Week 15

Dan Campbell offers very positive Lions injury update ahead of Week 15 on Decker, McNeill, Reader and more Detroit players

Coming off a mercifully timed extended rest following the Week 14 beatdown of the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions are getting a lot healthier heading into Sunday’s matchup with the visiting Buffalo Bills.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered some updates on the walking wounded ahead of Friday’s practice session. He started with defensive lineman Josh Paschal,

“So, looks like Paschal’s gotten through the week pretty good thus far.”

Campbell then continued, hitting on a few other players who have missed time with injuries lately. He noted “as well” in conjunction with Paschal for all the following, indicating they are getting through the week well:

DT DJ Reader
LT Taylor Decker
DT Levi Onwuzurike

In addition, Campbell revealed that DT Alim McNeill has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will be available to play in Sunday’s big game.

Campbell capped off the injury update by noting,

“We’re trending the right way with all those guys.”

The official injury status report comes out later on Friday.

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Lions vs Bills: Initial injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Bills: Initial injury report and medical analysis for the Week 15 matchup at Ford Field

With three games in 12 days, the Lions players (and fans) needed this mini-bye after a slew of injuries accumulated. The main concern is the defensive line which has many players out with short and long-term injuries. Fortunately, the trend is positive with multiple key questionable players in Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, and Josh Paschal practicing today.

The Bills report consists of mostly FP’s (full practice) and has a couple key pass catchers returning in Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman. They are also returning two players from IR, Baylon Spector and Dawuane Smoot, who are eligible to play this weekend. In bad news, there are a couple recent concerns in the secondary in Rasul Douglas and Taylor Rapp.

DETROIT LIONS

Alim McNeill DT, concussion (FP)

Here’s the timeline of his injury on December 5.

• At the 7-minute mark of the 1st quarter, he was helped off the field. Video was obscured but he may have taken a mild hit to the back of the head when Jamal Adams jumped on him towards the end of the play. He also had his facemask slightly jarred when he made the tackle but this trauma seemed minimal.
• He was taken to the locker room and passed the concussion evaluation.
• Returned to play at the 13-minute mark of 2nd quarter and finished out the first half.
• He did not come out of the locker room at halftime and was officially ruled out with a “head” injury, not a concussion.
• On Monday, December 9, Dan Campbell stated he was in the “protocol” which implied he was diagnosed with a concussion at some point.

Previous history of head trauma:

  • November 10, 2024 – Right TMJ (temporomandibular joint) symptoms. Moving jaw around and palpating directly at the TMJ. No concussion diagnosis.
  • November 23, 2023 – Blow to the right jaw area. Down on field for a while and left game temporarily. No concussion diagnosis.

Analysis: McNeill had a delayed concussion diagnosis from last game. A delayed diagnosis does not represent an oversight by the medical staff or player. Many concussion symptoms are vague such as headache, fogginess, and nausea and can be attributed to other causes.

With a history of TMJ symptoms just four weeks prior, it’s possible that his symptoms were initially thought to be a recurrence of the TMJ. The subsequent concussion diagnosis does not rule out a concurrent TMJ or other “head” injury as his symptoms could be multi-factorial.

With an FP today, it means that McNeill has already passed through multiple stages of the concussion protocol and is firmly on track to play Sunday.

Here is recent Lions concussion history data:

2024: Alex Anzalone and Brian Branch both missed one game following their concussions. Technically, Branch missed the game due to an “illness” but his concussion may have played at least a small part in the decision.

2023: No official concussions during the season. Penei Sewell had one in training camp.

2022: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Brock Wright, DeShon Elliott, and Kerby Joseph all returned in one week without missing a game. Jonah Jackson and Jeff Okudah missed the short-week Thanksgiving game.

Taylor Decker OT, knee (FP)

A suspected right MCL and right high or medial ankle sprain on November 24 has caused him to miss two games. The FP means he should play this weekend.

DJ Reader DT, shoulder (NP)

Reader hurt his left shoulder on Thanksgiving in a manner that is concerning for a shoulder subluxation and has missed one game. A subluxation is a partial, transient dislocation of the shoulder. The injury can be rehabbed without surgery but may take multiple weeks. DeShon Elliott in 2022 with the Lions missed two games with a shoulder subluxation/dislocation.

With an NP today, I expect Reader to miss another game.

Levi Onwuzurike DT, hamstring (LP)

A left hamstring strain on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Since hamstrings can get aggravated easily, a gradual ramp-up is advisable. The LP early in the week is a good sign that he is firmly on the ramp and getting close to a return. There is a good chance he will play on Sunday.

Josh Paschal DE, knee (LP)

A right knee injury on Thanksgiving caused him to miss one game. Video did not suggest anything too concerning. A mild bone bruise or knee sprain is likely. The LP gives him a good chance to play this weekend.

 

NOTABLES

Christian Mahogany, OG

This 6th-round rookie got three snaps when Kevin Zeitler exited briefly with a suspected left eye issue. After missing all of training camp and the first half of the season due to mono, it’s notable that Mahogany has already become the primary guard backup. This is good news heading into next season as Zeitler is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year.

Injured reserve status updates

Returning soon
• Alex Anzalone, left forearm fracture – Expected around week 17-18.
• Kalif Raymond, left foot – Expected by the start of the playoffs.

Uncertain return
• Ennis Rakestraw, hamstring – Eligible to return December 22.
• Ifeatu Melifonwu, left finger – Eligible to return December 22.
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin, neck – He is eligible to return anytime but has not had his 21-day practice window opened yet. This implies he is at least 3 weeks away. Dan Campbell on December 9 corroborated a multi-week timeline stating he’s “better… There’s a chance we could get him in a few weeks.” While there are no details about his neck injury, this update is reassuring that it isn’t anything overly serious.

Late playoffs at best
• Aidan Hutchinson, left tib/fib fracture – Expecting very limited action in the Super Bowl although Jay Glazer reported a few days ago that the NFC championship game is a possibility. Hutchinson is not even walking normally yet so his return depends on how quickly he recovers.
• John Cominsky, MCL surgery – Initial estimate projected a January return at best.
• Derrick Barnes, right MCL/PCL surgery – Unlikely to be back.

Not expected to return
• Malcolm Rodriguez, right ACL
• Marcus Davenport, left elbow
• Kyle Peko, left pec
• Mekhi Wingo, right knee

BUFFALO BILLS

Credit @BangedUpBills for help with the analysis.

Rasul Douglas CB, knee (NP)

This starting CB has not missed a game this year but exited last game with a left knee injury. Video wasn’t clear but a mild MCL sprain is possible.

Taylor Rapp S, neck/shoulder (NP)

This starting safety hurt his neck two weeks ago but still was able to play every snap last game.

Casey Toohill DE, ribs (LP)

Toohill is a backup DE who plays about 25% of snaps.

Dalton Kincaid TE, knee (FP)

Kincaid has missed the last three games due to a PCL and has 34 receptions for 356 yards this year. The FP suggests he will be in.

Keon Coleman WR, wrist (FP)

This 2nd-round rookie has missed the last four games. He has 22 catches for 417 yards. The FP suggests he will be in.

Dawuane Smoot DE, wrist (FP)

Smoot missed the last four games on IR with wrist surgery but is eligible to return on Sunday. He typically plays about 50% of snaps.

Baylon Spector LB, calf (FP)

After missing four games on IR, Spector is eligible to return on Sunday. He has started multiple games this year.

Here is the full Bills report:

Lions postgame medical report following Week 14 win over the Packers

Lions postgame medical report following Week 14 win over the Packers, with updates on Branch, McNeill and more

The Lions overcame a slew of injuries to their front-7 to beat a tough division opponent and maintain their hold on the #1 seed. Entering the game, the Lions had already lost defensive linemen DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and Mekhi Wingo from the previous game.

When Alim McNeill did not return in the second half, the defensive line was almost unrecognizable even to hard-core Lions fans. The only player remaining that could be considered a starter was Za’Darius Smith who the Lions traded for just four weeks ago.

Thankfully, this game resulted in far fewer injury concerns than last week. The main mystery is Alim McNeill who has an unspecified head injury without a current concussion diagnosis. Based on a couple other incidents over the past year, it could be a recurring jaw issue.

Here are the injuries I saw on my initial look along with suspected diagnoses:

Amon-Ra St. Brown – left back contusion 1q 14:06

After a reception, Saint got up reaching for his left back. It looked like he took a face mask to that area. He made a reception on the very next play and seemed fine the rest of the game. No concerns here.

Alim McNeill – recurrent TMJ? 1q 7:49

McNeill stayed down after the play and was taken to the locker room. Video was obscured but it didn’t appear that he took any major blows to the head. It’s possible he took a mild hit to the back of the head which even when mild, can still cause a concussion. The previous plays on the drive looked benign.

He passed the concussion evaluation and returned to play in the first half. However, he was ruled out at halftime officially with a “head” injury, and not a concussion.

While a delayed concussion diagnosis is still possible, McNeill has had a history of visible TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain and a recurrence could explain the “head” designation.

The issue may have started or been aggravated on November 23, 2023 when he took a hard helmet blow to the right jaw area and stayed down for a while. He was not diagnosed with a concussion. This hard hit could have caused underlying damage to his TMJ.

On November 10, 2024, he was clearly having jaw pain and was pointing to his right TMJ.

We’ll see if we get any more clarity on his injury next week.

Here is the video timeline of his injuries:

Kevin Zeitler – left eye irritation 1q 2:34

Zeitler pulled himself out while pointing at his left eye. Maybe he got some rubber pellets in there. He returned the next drive and looked fine. No concerns.

Brian Branch – right hip or oblique 3q 12:04, left calf cramps 4q 6:12

Branch reached for his right hip area after making a tackle. A strain of his oblique or upper leg are possible. A hip pointer could cause pain in that area but he didn’t appear to suffer a direct blow to that location. He stayed in the game and looked to be fine.

In the 4th quarter, he was officially reported to be having calf cramps. He left at the six minute mark and did not return, although there were only a few plays remaining. Hopefully, cramps is accurate and there is no underlying calf strain. I’m expecting him to be fine for next game.

Kerby Joseph – left arm, 4q 5:00

Joseph appeared to get his arm pulled at the end of this play. He may have suffered a mild elbow or shoulder sprain. He stayed in and looked to be doing fine. No significant concerns here.