Detroit Lions likely need a replacement for Alim McNeill.The Detroit Lions are likely going to be without defensive tackle Alim McNeill for the foreseeable future.

McNeill, who was having the best season of his career, could miss time after getting banged up in Week 13.

According to the NFL Network, the Lions are signing defensive tackle Tyson Alualu to the practice squad. McNeill struggled in the second half of the contest against the New Orleans Saints.

Alualu was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft after playing collegiately at California.

After a stint with the Jaguars (2010-2016), Alualu was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017.

Alualu made his debut in Pittsburgh during its season-opening, 21-18, victory over the Cleveland Browns, and recorded five tackles.

In 2021, Alualu suffered a fractured ankle, which limited his production and availability.

In his career, Alualu has 25 career sacks and 46 tackles for loss. His best statistical campaign came in 2017 with the Steelers, when he recorded four sacks and seven tackles for loss.

Detroit has been seeking increased productivity along the defensive line all season.

Bruce Irvin and Quinton Bohanna were elevated from the practice squad against the Saints, and have a chance to be signed to the active roster.

Irvin played 11 snaps, and recorded a sack against Derek Carr.

Having been elevated multiple times, Bohanna could also find himself being added to the active roster, giving the front office a need to fill his place on the practice squad.