Wrolstad said the penalty was called "after discussion." The circumstances — and the delay — invited speculation that Wrolstad received guidance from the league office as to the situation. That speculation may be accurate.

McNeill has been sidelined since tearing his ACL last December. The Lions began his 21-day activation window earlier this month, and McNeill has been a steady participant in practices ever since. Last week, Campbell declared him 51/49 to play, but the team opted to rest McNeill another week.

The plot has thickened, everyone. On Sunday night, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and the offense worked up a trick play that saw Goff go out wide and catch a touchdown pass from running back David Montgomery.

Dan Campbell refused to defend his player Brian Branch's actions after the safety sparked a wild melee at the end of the Lions-Chiefs game.