The Detroit Lions are expected to be without star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson for the rest of the season because of a serious knee injury. After Hutchinson’s season-ending injury in 2024 affected Detroit’s postseason hopes, defensive tackle Alim McNeill believes this year’s team is better prepared to cope with his absence.
Speaking after Detroit’s Week 10 victory over the New England Patriots, McNeill said the defensive line and defense are different from the group that faced a similar challenge before.
“It’s completely different,” McNeill said. “We went, what, 15-2? So we had a good year. This D-line is different. This defense is a lot different. I feel like it’s equipped a lot differently.”
McNeill emphasized that Hutchinson remains a significant loss, but said Detroit has players who can help replace some of his production. “Hutch is Hutch,” he said. “We have the pieces, and the puzzle pieces to put in the game to try and create that production. But I think this is a way different equipped D-line.”
## McNeill Is Having a Career-Best Season
McNeill is one reason for the defensive line’s confidence. He entered the season with a career-high five sacks and reached 6.5 after recording a sack against New England. His 11 quarterback hits are also a career best.
His 6.5 sacks rank among the top single-season totals by an interior defensive lineman in Lions history. McNeill has recorded at least one sack in six games this season.
The defensive tackle missed the end of the 2024 season with an injury and was not quite himself in 2025. Now, he is helping lead the line as Detroit prepares to play without Hutchinson.
## Lions Need the Rest of the Line to Step Up
After the Patriots game, head coach Dan Campbell challenged the entire defensive line to raise its level. Detroit has several options to help fill the gap, including free-agent addition D.J. Wonnum and second-round rookie Derrick Moore, who has four sacks over the past two games. Moore made a notable contribution against New England with Hutchinson sidelined.
The Lions are also counting on rookie Skyler Gil-Howard, who has emerged as a pass rusher in his first season. Tyleik Williams adds support against the run, giving Detroit more depth along the line than in previous years.
The key question is whether that depth can help the Lions manage without Hutchinson. Detroit’s Week 11 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the team’s first game without him.
