Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell delivered some tough news following the team’s dominant 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone, who left the game in the second half with a forearm injury, has been diagnosed with a broken forearm. Initially listed as questionable to return, Anzalone was later ruled out for the rest of the game.

The injury occurred during a tackle on Jaguars running back Travis Etienne. After the game, Campbell confirmed the bad news, stating that Anzalone would be out for six to eight weeks. If all goes well, the veteran linebacker might make it back in time for the playoffs or as early as Week 17 when the Lions face the San Francisco 49ers.

This injury is yet another setback for Detroit’s defense, which has been hit hard all season. The Lions are already without key players like Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Derrick Barnes. Losing Anzalone, a respected leader on the field, adds another challenge as the team pushes through the remainder of the regular season.

In Anzalone’s absence, expect Ben Niemann and Trevor Nowaske to step into larger roles at inside linebacker. The Lions will face another test next week when they travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Indianapolis Colts.