Kelvin Sheppard expresses confidence in healthy Alim McNeill for Lions opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 12:15 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard announced his expectations for defensive tackle Alim McNeill ahead of the team's Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints. Sheppard expressed an emotional sentiment regarding the veteran's return to form following a period of injury. McNeill struggled with health issues throughout the 2025 season, limiting his performance after suffering an ACL injury. The coaching staff anticipates a significant improvement as McNeill enters the 2026 season fully recovered. He joins a revamped defensive front that features Tyleik Williams, Levi Onwuzurike, and rookie Skyler Gil-Howard. The Lions aim to bolster their defensive rotation after the group experienced roster turnover during the previous season.
- •Kelvin Sheppard labeled the return of Alim McNeill an emotional development for the defensive staff.
- •Alim McNeill recorded one sack during the 2025 season while dealing with injury.
- •The Lions defensive front includes Tyleik Williams, Levi Onwuzurike, and Skyler Gil-Howard.
- •Detroit faces the New Orleans Saints to begin their 2026 schedule.
- 12:15 AMYahoo Sports — Lions Coach Makes Emotional Declaration About $97M Veteran
"Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard made it clear that he is more excited to see defensive tackle Alim McNeill than any other player when Week 1 rolls around.“I’m so excited for that player; when I say it’s almost emotional,” Sheppard said when discussing McNeill this year. “I cannot wait to see number 54.” Kelvin […] The post Lions Coach Makes Emotional Declaration About $97M Veteran appeared first on HEAVY.
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