The Lions secured a crucial Monday night win over the Buccaneers in Week 7, and Detroit looks poised to get even stronger as several injured defensive starters near their return.

The Detroit Lions completely stifled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their Week 7 NFC showdown. Tampa Bay entered Monday Night Football on fire, having scored 30-plus points and gained over 350 total yards in consecutive games. But the Lions’ defense rose to the challenge, limiting Baker Mayfield and the Bucs to just nine points and 251 yards.

Detroit’s dominant 24-9 triumph becomes even more notable considering its depleted secondary. The 5-2 Lions were missing four defensive starters in Week 7, and head coach Dan Campbell believes the unit will only get better once reinforcements return.

“The good news is we’re gonna get a lot of players back… that’s encouraging. As we continue improving, we’re also getting some of our guys healthy again,” Campbell said, via The Detroit News’ Nolan Bianchi.

Dan Campbell expects Lions’ defense to reach new level with returning players

Although Detroit was short-handed against Tampa Bay, the Lions did regain an important piece Monday. Alim McNeill was activated from injured reserve and made his 2025 season debut in Week 7. The veteran defensive tackle had previously suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 last season.

McNeill’s return in the middle of the line should help Detroit strengthen its run defense and create more pass-rushing lanes for defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.