The Detroit Lions are trying to get back in the mix of Super Bowl contenders. Last year, the NFL gods punished the team with injuries and now, it’s refocusing time. Among the targets for this season, Dan Campbell wants to have his captains ready to roll. Jared Goff is ready to lead the offense but what about the defensive side? Well, the head coach has given us an update on that regard.
Myles Simmons from NBC Sports reported defensive captain Alex Anzalone is dealing with a harmstring injury again. The linebacker wasn’t in Sunday’s practice and isn’t expected to join early this week.
Besides, Anzalone didn’t participate in the voluntary offseason program as he is seeking a new contract with the Lions. Anzalone is currently entering the final season of his current 3-year, $18 million deal.
Anzalone is one of the key pieces on the Lions’ depth chart
An 8-year veteran, Anzalone has played four seasons for the Lions. In that span, he has solidified himself as one of the best presences on the team and the locker room.
Alex Anzalone #34 of the Detroit Lions walks the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field on December 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.
Anzalone has 6.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 24 passes defended and a staggering 395 total tackles, including 22 tackles for loss and 26 QB hits in his Lions career. Beyond his numbers, he is a smart player and someone the coaching staff trust.
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Anzalone is not the only defensive star sidelined
Joining Anzalone, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is also recovering from an injury. However, the latest reports on Hutchinson is he will be ready to roll this season. Alim McNeill, defensive tackle, is also injured. Offensively, there is not many issues as Jared Goff has all his key weapons available.
The Lions, if healthy, might be one of the strongest teams in the NFL. However, injuries have really hampered the team’s projection. This is a physical team, who goes all-out in every single play, and apparently, that has taken a toll on its defense.
