**The Lions Place DT Alim McNeill and LT Taylor Decker on PUP List to Start Training Camp**
The Detroit Lions have begun their 2024 training camp with a couple of notable absences from the practice field. The team announced that defensive tackle Alim McNeill and left tackle Taylor Decker have been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start camp. While this move doesn’t necessarily indicate long-term concern, it does raise questions about their readiness for the upcoming season and how the Lions will manage their depth in the meantime.
Before diving into the implications for McNeill and Decker, it’s important to understand what the PUP list means. The Physically Unable to Perform list is a designation used for players who are recovering from injuries and are not yet cleared to participate in football activities. Players can be placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp but can be activated at any time once they pass a physical. If they remain on the PUP list into the regular season, they must sit out the first four games before being eligible to return.
In this case, both McNeill and Decker are on the **active/PUP list**, meaning they are still on the roster but cannot practice until medically cleared. This is different from the **reserve/PUP list**, which would require them to miss regular-season games. The Lions’ decision to place them on PUP now suggests they are taking a cautious approach, allowing both players to recover fully before ramping up their workload.
Alim McNeill has quietly developed into one of the Lions’ most reliable defensive linemen. After a strong 2023 season where he recorded five sacks and emerged as a disruptive force against the run, his presence in the middle of the defensive line is crucial. The Lions’ defense improved significantly last year, and McNeill’s ability to collapse the pocket and occupy blockers was a big reason why.
If McNeill’s PUP stint extends into the regular season, the Lions will need others to step up. Veteran Tyson Alualu, second-year player Brodric Martin, and free-agent addition DJ Reader (assuming he’s healthy) could see increased reps. However, none of them offer the same blend of power and quickness that McNeill brings. His absence—even if temporary—could affect the Lions’ ability to stop the run and generate interior pressure.
The good news is that McNeill’s placement on the PUP list appears precautionary. There haven’t been reports of a major setback, so the Lions are likely just managing a minor issue. If he returns within the next few weeks, his absence won’t be a major storyline. But if this lingers, Detroit’s defensive line depth will be tested early in the season.
Taylor Decker, the Lions’ longtime left tackle, is another key piece of the offense. A steady presence protecting Jared Goff’s blindside, Decker has been a reliable starter since being drafted in 2016. His combination of size, experience, and technical proficiency makes him one of the most underrated tackles in the league.
Losing Decker for any extended period would be a significant blow. The Lions have solid depth on the offensive line, but replacing a starting left tackle is never easy. If Decker isn’t ready for Week 1, the most likely replacement would be **Dan Skipper**, a veteran swing tackle who has filled in before. Another option could be moving rookie **Giovanni Manu**—a raw but athletic prospect—though that would be a risky move given his inexperience.
The Lions’ offensive line is one of the best in football, but continuity is key. Decker’s chemistry with left guard Jonah Jackson (now departed) and new addition Kevin Zeitler will be important. If Decker misses time, the Lions may have to adjust their protection schemes, which could impact Goff’s comfort level in the pocket.
Like McNeill, Decker’s PUP designation seems more about caution than a serious injury. He has dealt with minor ailments in the past, and the Lions may simply be giving him extra time to recover before the grind of the regular season. Still, his status will be something to monitor closely over the next few weeks.
The Lions are entering the 2024 season with Super Bowl aspirations. After narrowly missing the Super Bowl last year, expectations are higher than ever. That’s why even minor injuries to key players like McNeill and Decker are worth paying attention to.
If both players return soon, this will be a non-issue. However, if their recoveries take longer than expected, the Lions could face early-season challenges. The first few weeks of the schedule include tough matchups where McNeill’s presence in the trenches and Decker’s pass protection will be crucial.
Additionally, the Lions have to manage their roster carefully. If either player isn’t ready by the end of camp, the team may have to decide whether to keep them on the active roster or move them to reserve/PUP, which would cost them at least four games. Given the Lions’ depth, they may prefer to keep both on the active roster if they’re close to returning.
For now, the Lions’ decision to place Alim McNeill and Taylor Decker on the PUP list appears to be a standard procedural move. Both players are likely dealing with minor injuries, and the team is wisely being cautious rather than rushing them back. However, their status will be worth monitoring as training camp progresses.
McNeill’s role as a disruptive interior lineman and Decker’s importance as Goff’s blindside protector cannot be overstated. If either misses significant time, the Lions will need their depth to step up. Fortunately, Detroit has built a deep and talented roster capable of weathering short-term absences.
As camp unfolds, updates on McNeill and Decker will be key storylines. For now, Lions fans shouldn’t panic—but they should keep an eye on how these situations develop. The team’s Super Bowl hopes could hinge on having both players healthy and ready to go when the games truly matter.
