Lions 2026 Training Camp Medical Preview: Defensive Tackle
Youth and potential abounds throughout the DT room
The Detroit Lions are positioned well at the defensive tackle position as long as some of the young players can live up to their potential.
The big question for 2026 is who will provide some interior pass rush to disrupt the QB? Alim McNeill has proven the ability in the past, but not reliably since his ACL injury. The rest of the group still has to prove it.
The dreams and hopes of interior pressure may lie with two late-round rookies, as seen in this highlight package…
Most of the DT group have a low medical concern level. Only 3 of 11 DT’s have concern levels rising into moderate or beyond.
🟢0-3 Low medical concern
🟡4-6 Moderate medical concern
🔴7-10 High medical concern
(Age at start of season in parentheses.) Click on player name for full medical report if available.
STARTERS
🟢Alim McNeill (26)
Medical concern level: 2/10
This playmaking DT suffered a right ACL tear in December of 2024. Recovery was smooth and he returned-to-play in an expedient 10 months. This is an optimistic sign that there was no significant associated cartilage damage, which can leave residuals.
However, McNeill’s playmaking in 2025 was not up to his usual level. In 10 games, he had 1 sack, 2 TFL, and 3 QB hits. A brief dip in production is not unexpected in the first year back from an ACL.
McNeill also had a right MCL injury in 2024, which is not a concern at this point.
OUTLOOK: This sixth-year player should get back to his impactful form in 2026. He is still young and is a key long-term member of the defensive line.
🟢Tyleik Williams (23)
Medical concern level: 0/10
As a rookie last season, he played in every game and had no apparent injuries. That’s a great start to a career.
OUTLOOK: While Williams did not make a lot of splash plays last year (1 sack, 2 TFL, 3 QB hits), he should be able to build off his rookie year and take a second-year bump.
KEY BACKUPS
🟢Skyler Gill-Howard (23)
Medical concern level: 3/10
Gill-Howard’s final college season was ended by left ankle surgery. In reassuring news, he has been a full participant this offseason with the Lions. His draft-level concern of 4/10 has decreased.
OUTLOOK: This sixth-round rookie could be an undersized but disruptive force in the interior. He has a good chance to make the 53-man roster.
🟢Tyre West (23)
Medical concern level: 1/10
West had a possible concussion last season, but has otherwise been mostly reliable throughout his college career.
OUTLOOK: Typically, 7th-round rookies can have a tough time making the active roster. But if the Lions want to get younger and healthier, West will have an advantage.
🟢Tyler Lacy (26)
Medical concern level: 0/10
Lacy is young and clean.
OUTLOOK: Lacy played 10 games with the Lions in 2025 which will give him the experience edge over the rookies. He logged 1 sack, 0 TFL, and 2 QB hits last season.
🔴Levi Onwuzurike (28)
Medical concern level: 8/10
An ACL surgery around May of 2025 wiped out all of last season. The curiosity of the injury earned the #11 spot on the Top Injury News of last season.
Onwuzurike also has a major back surgery (L5-S1 fusion), which carries ongoing concerns.
OUTLOOK: Players are often not fully back to form in the first year post-ACL (see Alim McNeill). Onwuzurike’s performance in preseason games may be critical for his chances to make the roster. As one of the oldest members of the DT room, his age is another factor working against him.
DEPTH CONTENDERS
🟡Mekhi Wingo (23)
Medical concern level: 5/10
Last season was curious for Wingo as he was technically a healthy scratch for most of the season. He only appeared in two games. The concern is knee residuals from a meniscus injury in 2024 that resulted in two surgeries.
OUTLOOK: Wingo showed flashes in the season finale last year. If he keeps playing that way, he has a good chance of making the roster. His age is still very young as he enters his third season.
🟢Aidan Keanaaina (24)
Medical concern level: 2/10
This UDFA rookie had an ACL in 2022, which is the known extent of his injury history.
OUTLOOK: Keanaaina is a massive human at 6’3” and 320 lbs. If he can stuff the run, he’ll have a lot of value for the Lions, who lost equally-massive DJ Reader this offseason.