The Detroit Lions have faced a challenging 2024 season with numerous injuries on defense, particularly at the linebacker position. Among the injured players is starting linebacker Alex Anzalone, who suffered a broken forearm during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was subsequently placed on injured reserve.
With an estimated recovery timeline of six to eight weeks, Anzalone has been eligible to return for some time. While the expectation is for him to be back for the playoffs, head coach Dan Campbell hinted that a return before then could still be possible.
### Anzalone’s Status Update
Campbell recently stated that Anzalone is “close” to returning but was uncertain if he would be ready for the Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
“It’s close. I don’t know about this week, (but) it’s close,” Campbell shared, as reported by Jeremy Reisman of *Pride of Detroit.*
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed that the Lions expect Anzalone to be ready for the playoffs, referring to him as one of the league’s better linebackers and a key playmaker for Detroit.
### Prioritizing Health for the Postseason
While a sooner-than-expected return would be advantageous, the Lions are taking a cautious approach to ensure Anzalone is fully healthy for the playoffs. To play, Anzalone must first be designated to return from injured reserve, a step that has not yet occurred. Even if that designation happens this week, it doesn’t guarantee he’ll take the field immediately.
### Other Injuries and the Playoff Picture
The Lions’ linebacker corps is gradually getting healthier. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, another key player, is also nearing a return. Unlike Anzalone, Reeves-Maybin has already been designated to return and could play as early as Week 17.
“We’ll see where Germ (Reeves-Maybin) is at,” Campbell said. “He’s somebody that’s a potential candidate (to return). We started him last week, he got a practice or two, we’re going to give him more this week, see how he feels.”
The Lions are also focused on clinching the NFC North title. If the Minnesota Vikings lose in Week 17 and Detroit wins against San Francisco, the Lions will secure the division. However, if the Vikings win, the NFC North champion will be determined in Week 18 when the Lions face the Vikings.
For now, Detroit’s priority remains ensuring their key players, like Anzalone, are ready for a potential playoff run.
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