Alim McNeill admits he had ‘no dark days’ during injury rehab

Last December, Detroit Lions DT Alim McNeill suffered a serious knee injury during a game against the Buffalo Bills. Ultimately, he tore his ACL and was out for the rest of the season

. Afterward, he took part in a grueling rehab process in the off-season.

On Wednesday, he returned to the Lions' practice facility and participated in the day's activities. Altogether, McNeill

didn't see his rehab as a drag or depressing; he maintained a positive outlook, according to 97.1 The Ticket.

“Dark days for what? I play for the Lions,

I’m training, and I don’t have to pay for this training. … I knew I was coming back to the field.”

Alim McNeill on having no dark days during rehab: “Dark days for what? I play for the Lions, I’m training, I don’t have to pay for this training. … I knew I was coming back to the field.”
pic.twitter.com/RMJciMcL0r — 97.1 The Ticket: (@971theticketxyt) October 1, 2025

It remains to be seen when McNeill will be expected to play again. Before Wednesday, the Lions engaged in a 21-day evaluation

to assess whether McNeill was cleared to practice. While his return date is unknown, there is speculation that he could find himself back in action come Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Currently, the Lions have a record of 3-1 to start the season. Before his injury, McNeill recorded 25 total tackles (17 solo), seven tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, one pass defense, and one forced fumble. Throughout, he played a total of 14 games.

Alim McNeill brings added depth to the Lions' defense.

Undoubtedly, McNeill is one explosive interior defender. Essentially, he is the type of player who can disrupt passes and runs, especially in the backfield.

Additionally, McNeill can utilize his agility and strength to create opportunities for his teammates, making it difficult for the opposing quarterback.

Also, McNeill draws a lot of double teams, which allows the other Lions defensive linemen to take others on one-on-one. Upon his return, McNeill will gradually get back to form, and the hope is for him to be his usual explosive self by the time the playoffs arrive.

First look at new Browns OT Cam Robinson

The Cleveland Browns made a much-needed move in an attempt to bolster their struggling offensive line by acquiring offensive tackle Cam Robinson

from the Houston Texans earlier this week.

The move to acquire Robinson at this point in the season is entirely a result of the instability Cleveland has experienced at its tackle spots this season. Neither of the team's starting tackles heading into 2025 have been available -- Jack Conklin has not suited up for the team since Week 1, while Dawand Jones

suffered a season-ending knee injury in the early stages of the team's Week 3 win over the Packers -- and their main backup, Cornelius Lucas, has given the Browns below-replacement-level play. Pro Football Focus has credited Lucas with more pressures allowed than any other offensive lineman in the NFL this season.

Although Robinson has bounced around the league in recent seasons, Robinson brings some pedigree to Cleveland as a former first-round pick of the Jaguars and an established starter in both Jacksonville and Minnesota. The Browns are hoping Robinson's experience can at least give them a higher floor than what they've gotten out of Lucas this season. That theoretical floor became even more important with Wednesday's news that the Browns plan to bench veteran starting quarterback Joe Flacco and

insert rookie Dillon Gabriel into the lineup for their Week 5 matchup against the Vikings.

While it's still unclear if Robinson will be ready in time to make his Browns debut in London on Sunday, he did participate in his first Browns practice on Wednesday. Take a look at the Browns' newest offensive lineman, sporting number 68, here:

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