The Detroit Lions are enjoying a stellar season, sitting at 12-1 ahead of their highly anticipated matchup with the Buffalo Bills. With a playoff spot already secured, the team has plenty to celebrate. However, injuries have cast a shadow over their remarkable run.
Fortunately, there’s some positive news regarding injuries, and it comes at just the right time as the Lions gear up for the playoffs.
Detroit Lions Fan Favorite Provides Injury Update
When linebacker Alex Anzalone suffered a broken arm in Week 11, it was a gut-wrenching moment for the Lions.
Now, though, there’s hope. According to head coach Dan Campbell, Anzalone is making progress and could return late in the season or during the playoffs. Adding to the optimism, Anzalone recently shared his own recovery update with fans.
During a December 4 appearance on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, Anzalone discussed his progress and efforts to heal.
“They do a good job of not putting players in harm’s way (in Detroit), as opposed to many places around the league, or how traditionally the NFL is viewed,” he explained. “I’m just doing everything I can to accelerate the bone healing, whether it’s hyperbaric or different things in the training room. They have a million and one things you can do—they call it osteoblasts. So I’m doing everything I can. Whether it’s six weeks or less, I’m getting an x-ray soon. Who knows what the x-ray is going to say?”
While Anzalone isn’t back at practice yet, he says he’s been staying involved at the team facility as much as possible.
“I’m not in the meetings as much. I drop in when I can because my rehab post-surgery is starting to get a little more extensive with my workouts and running,” Anzalone said. “Usually, we do that during meeting times, and then I’m out there for practice and walkthroughs. I try to stop in.”
Alex Anzalone Motivating Jack Campbell
Anzalone has also been mentoring rookie linebacker Jack Campbell, providing guidance and encouragement throughout the season.
“I talk to him after every game, and he’s hard on himself,” Anzalone shared on the podcast. “I just try to help loosen him up a little bit and not take football so serious. Even a guy like Kwon (Alexander), who we’re going to rely on a lot—I talk to him, trying to relay the information kind of like how we learned it in New Orleans. I just help out at walkthroughs with different guys.”
Anzalone’s dedication to his recovery and his teammates is clear. Despite being sidelined, he’s making every effort to return and help the team as soon as possible. With the Lions’ defense battling injuries, his presence is sorely missed.
Praise for Anzalone’s Efforts
NBA writer and SideLion Report contributor Brad Berreman also commended Anzalone for his approach to the injury.
“Even though his injury was frustrating, Anzalone hasn’t quit working and he hasn’t stopped building his teammates up,” Berreman noted in a December 10 article. “That investment has been important to Detroit’s defense continuing to play well in his absence.”
Anzalone’s determination and leadership have been vital to the Lions, both on and off the field. As he continues his recovery, the team—and fans—look forward to his return.
