The Detroit Lions have placed veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone on injured reserve for the second time this season, dealing a significant blow to their defense. Anzalone had recently returned to practice after missing several games with a broken forearm but wasn’t able to play in the team’s last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ¹ ².

Anzalone’s Injury History

Anzalone initially suffered a broken forearm in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was expected to miss six to eight weeks. He made a brief return to practice recently but clearly wasn’t fully healed, which likely contributed to the team’s decision to place him on IR again ³ ¹.

Impact on the Team

The Lions will need to rely on other linebackers, including Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez, to fill the void left by Anzalone’s injury. Campbell has been impressive in his role, recording 125 total tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass deflections, four quarterback hits, and a forced fumble this season. With Anzalone out, the team has signed veteran linebacker David Long to the practice squad to provide depth ² ¹.

David Long’s Addition

Long brings valuable experience to the linebacker position, having played in 75 games and started 49 of them for the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins. He can contribute on special teams and has shown his ability as a run defender, earning PFF run defense grades of 89.0 in 2022 and 92.6 in 2023. Long’s addition will undoubtedly help the Lions’ linebacker unit, but it’s unclear if he’ll be elevated to the active roster immediately ¹.

Upcoming Game

The Lions are set to face the Minnesota Vikings on November 2, 2025, at Ford Field. With Anzalone out, the team will need to come up with a solid game plan to succeed against a tough opponent. The Vikings are tied for the NFC’s best record at 14-2, making this a crucial matchup for the Lions ⁴.

Conclusion

The loss of Alex Anzalone is a significant blow to the Lions’ defense, but the team has shown resilience in the face of injuries this season. With the right adjustments and playcalling, they can still make a deep playoff run. Anzalone’s determination to return to the field despite his injury is a testament to his dedication and leadership, and the team will undoubtedly miss him on the field.