Tyson Alualu, 36, is another seasoned defensive lineman whom the Detroit Lions added, this time to the interior of the defensive line. However, there are many Lions supporters who would have rather saw the team sign free agent Ndamukong Suh.
On December 6, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke with media about the potential of signing Suh.
Campbell informed the media, “Yeah, listen, Brad’s [Holmes] looked at all of it.” We haven’t failed to notice anyone.
We gave each person a quick glance. We believe that the choice we took at this time was the right one for us.
In 2010, the Lions selected Suh, who will turn 37 in January, with the second overall pick. Suh was a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro during his five seasons with the Lions.
He appeared in eight games for the Philadelphia Eagles the previous season and recorded 10 total tackles, two quarterback hits, and one sack.
But on December 5, Alualu was added by the Lions to the practice squad instead of Suh. On November 16, Detroit also added 36-year-old defensive end Bruce Irvin to their roster.
Tyson Alualu Signed by Lions Could Replace Alim McNeill
The Lions placed defensive tackle Alim McNeill on injured reserve a few hours after signing Alualu due to a sprained knee.
In his third NFL season, McNeill was having a breakout year. In 12 games, he has five sacks, six tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits.
McNeill recorded 3 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits in 34 games throughout his first two seasons combined.
“We’ve lost a dependable, consistent, and productive player in Mac, so it will be difficult to be without him for these four weeks.” On December 6, Campbell told reporters, “He’s really come into his own this year.” Each year he has simply grown, but this year he was enormous. For us, he was a force.
“Unfortunately, even though that hurts, this train continues.”
Alualu might continue to contribute in lieu of McNeill, if the train continues.
While Alualu is on the practice squad, the organization intends to train him back into football form, much as they did with Irvin, who just made his team debut in Week 13. Campbell explained this. After that, they will decide in a few weeks whether or not to activate Alualu for the Game.
He offers the floor. About Alualu, Campbell remarked, “He brings stability.” We find solace in the fact that you can pretty much anticipate what will happen to you.
There is a hint of adaptability about him. Once more, he is a member of the team. We’ll decide once we reach a point where we think, “All right, he’s in game shape or he’s ready to do that.” See if he can assist us.
In lieu of McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Isaiah Buggs, and Brodric Martin could see increased playing time in Week 14 against the Chicago Bears.
Could DT Ndamukong Suh be Signed by the Lions?
Not that Campbell had to deny speculations that Suh was going to join with the Lions. He did, however, clarify that Alualu was the team’s top choice for a free agent.
Presumably, the Lions won’t acquire Suh on top of Alualu unless they suffer another injury at defensive tackle.
Detroit now has two defensive lineman who are 36 years old, so unless it is absolutely essential, acquiring a third veteran at that age is probably not going to happen.
Suh recorded 36 sacks, 66 tackles for loss, and 98 quarterback hits in five seasons with the Lions. In 78 games, he also recorded 2 forced fumbles and 15 pass defenses.
For the time being, Lions supporters will have to keep cherishing those memories rather than seeing Suh return to the blue and silver.
