The dreaded ACL tear is one of the most feared NFL injuries as it entails a long recovery. The recovery timeline, which is usually around 10-11 months, will often impact the next season. Fortunately though, players will usually return to their previous level of performance with time.
There were 38 ACL tears in 2024 NFL season which averages 1.2 per team. The Lions had two ACL tears in 2024 which I recap below.
There were 38 torn ACL’s this season in the NFL…The 2nd lowest total since 2013. Here’s the numbers by season:
2024 – 38
2023 – 43
2022 – 51
2021 – 57
2020 – 42
2019 – 34
2018 – 53
2017 – 52
2016 – 49
2015 – 50
2014 – 45
2013 – 63
—————
Total – 577— ACL Recovery Club (@ACLrecoveryCLUB) February 11, 2025
Alim McNeill – December 15
Expect McNeill to start the year on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. Look for his return sometime in November. Optimistically, October is a possibility.
Just two months prior to the ACL tear, McNeill signed a four-year contract extension worth $97 million with $55 million guaranteed that ties him to the team through the 2028 season.
The 2025 season will almost certainly be impacted by the injury and he may not be back to his usual form until the 2026 season.
Alim McNeill R knee injury video
-Uncertain on which step injury occurred but suspicion for final step landing hard on straight leg
-Postgame pessimism is concerning for ACL
-Best case would be mild bone bruise. Also possible are meniscus or other knee sprain. pic.twitter.com/RYYMkaigPt— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) December 16, 2024
Malcolm Rodriguez – November 28
There is a good chance Rodriguez starts the season on the PUP list. Look for his return sometime in October.
He is entering the final year of his 4-year rookie contract and is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season.
Malcolm Rodriguez R ACL injury video
-Knee buckles inward
-Hope no asso meniscus tear
-Expect ~11mo recovery
-1yr left on rookie deal pic.twitter.com/sw74L8B2zl— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 29, 2024
