As posted by NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced that linebacker Alex Anzalone will miss six to eight weeks of action due to a broken forearm. If that timetable sticks, Anzalone could return by the playoffs.
Anzalone joined the Lions in 2021 after playing out his four-year, $3.46 million rookie scale contract with the New Orleans Saints. While he started 20 out of 38 games for New Orleans, it was with the Lions that his career took off.
Since signing with the NFC North squad before the 2021 season, he has started all the games he has played for Detroit. He played 14 games in his first year with the Lions before suffering a shoulder injury in Week 15. A year later, he started in all 17 regular season games for the Lions.
Alex Anzalone L forearm fracture injury video
— Jimmy Liao MD | Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) November 18, 2024
-Slomo zoom looks like midshaft
-Dan Campbell says 6-8wks. MNF vs 49ers 6wks away.
-Possibly could be back sooner but no reason to rush with playoffs 8-9wks away
-Fully healed for playoffs, no long-term concerns pic.twitter.com/mRS0iVZtgp
Anzalone had his best year as a pro last season, tallying 129 tackles, three sacks, six passes defended, and a fumble recovery in 16 games. His defensive presence also helped the Lions reach the NFC Championship Game, which they lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
Before suffering a broken forearm, Anzalone had 56 tackles, four quarterback hits, four passes defended, and a sack in nine games. With him on track to return after eight weeks, the Lions could get a healthy and recharged Anzalone by the postseason.
Beyond 2024, the Lions envision him as an integral part of their defense, inspiring the once-struggling franchise to sign him to a three-year, $18.75 million extension. This contract keeps him under contract with Detroit until the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, the Lions sign linebacker David Long to their practice squad in Anzalone’s absence.
-Lance Fernandez