Lions' Alex Anzalone: Expected to return for playoffs
Rotowire
Anzalone (forearm) is expected to be available for the Lions for the start of the postseason, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Anzalone broke his forearm during the Lions' Week 11 win over the Jaguars, which prompted Detroit to place the veteran linebacker on injured reserve Nov. 18. The initial timeline for his return was 6-to-8 weeks, and while it doesn't appear likely that he'll be activated off IR for the Lions' last two games of the regular season, he should be available for Detroit's first playoff game. Jack Campbell will continue to serve as the Lions' starting middle linebacker for as long as Anzalone is sidelined.
The Lions placed Anzalone (forearm) on injured reserve Monday.
Anzalone played 20 defensive snaps and recorded five total tackles before breaking his forearm in Sunday's blowout win over the Jaguars. This injury is expected to sideline the 30-year-old for 6-to-8 weeks, so his shift to IR comes as no surprise. Anzalone will be now be forced to miss at least the Lions' next four games, with his earliest possible return coming in the Week 16 matchup against the Bears. Expect Jack Campbell to see increased work with the Lions' first-team defense until Anzalone can return.
Anzalone broke his forearm during the Lions' 52-6 win over the Jaguars and will be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.
Anzalone suffered the injury while assisting on a tackle on running back Travis Etienne in the second quarter of Sunday's win. It's another blow to the Lions' defense, which lost Aidan Hutchinson for the rest of the regular season due to a broken left tibia and fibula in Week 6 against the Cowboys. Given the recovery timeline, Anzalone could return as early as Week 17 against the 49ers on Monday, Dec. 30. Ben Niemann and Trevor Nowaske are candidates to start at linebacker alongside Malcolm Rodriguez and Jack Campbell while Anzalone is sidelined.
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Lions' Alex Anzalone: Won't return vs. Jacksonville
Rotowire
Anzalone (forearm) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Anzalone injured his forearm while tackling Travis Etienne late in the second quarter of Sunday's game. With Anzalone done for the day, Ben Niemann and Trevor Nowaske will see an increased snap count on defense for the second half.
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Lions' Alex Anzalone: Hurts forearm, uncertain to return
Rotowire
Anzalone suffered a forearm injury in Sunday's Week 11 game against Jacksonville and is questionable to return.
Anzalone was hurt while assisting on a tackle of Travis Etienne late in the second quarter. The linebacker exited to the locker room and was deemed questionable to return soon thereafter. Ben Niemann could be called upon for a significant role if Anzalone is unable to return.
Lions' Alex Anzalone: Secures eight tackles in win
Rotowire
Anzalone recorded eight total tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's 31-29 win over the Vikings.
Anzalone paced the team in tackles in the victory, producing at least seven stops for the third time in five games this season. The linebacker has now compiled 35 total tackles (25 solo) and three passes defensed while operating as Detroit's primary middle linebacker in 2024.
