Lions lose best interior defensive lineman, putting Alim McNeill (knee) on injured reserve

The Detroit Lions signed cornerback Kindle Vildor off the practice squad and placed Alim McNeill, their best interior defensive lineman, on injured reserve due to a knee injury.

In addition, Detroit released linebacker Raymond Johnson from the practice squad and added Matt Farniok and Tyson Alualu.

The moves were made on Tuesday by the NFC North-leading Lions (9-3), two days after McNeill sustained an injury during a victory at New Orleans. On Sunday, Detroit will travel to Chicago (4-8) to play.

Six of McNeill’s 31 total tackles—including a career-high five sacks—were for losses. In addition, he forced a fumble and stopped a pass. Over his three years with the Lions, McNeill has started 35 games.

Vildor participated in two Tennessee games earlier in the season. During his first three years in Chicago, he started 22 out of 44 games, recording 97 tackles and one interception.

The 36-year-old Alualu participated in 17 games in Pittsburgh during the previous season, making two starts. Over the course of three seasons with the Steelers and six in Jacksonville, he has started 113 of 191 games, scoring 416.