Alex Anzalone Returns for Lions vs. Vikings in Week 18: Inactives & Injury Report Update
Detroit Lions Defensive Captain Alex Anzalone Returns for Crucial Matchup Against Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions defensive captain and starting linebacker Alex Anzalone is back in the lineup for the much-anticipated clash against the Minnesota Vikings.
Key Details About the Matchup:
- Match Stakes: The winner of the Lions-Vikings game will secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed, while the loser will head to the playoffs as the No. 5 seed and play an away game in the wild-card round.
- Date: Sunday, January 7, 2025
- Location: Detroit
Injury and Activation Update:
The Lions activated Alex Anzalone and wide receiver Kalif Raymond from the injured reserve on Saturday, clearing their return for the season finale.
Anzalone, who had been sidelined since November 17 due to a fractured left hand suffered during a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, is now fit to play. Before his injury, he had started the first nine games of the season alongside linebacker Jack Campbell. The linebacker unit, which had been heavily impacted by injuries, now sees Anzalone rejoining the lineup, adding to last week’s return of Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
Anzalone’s Stats and Contributions in 2024:
- Tackles: 56 combined
- Tackles for Loss: 7
- Passes Defended: 4
Anzalone has served as a defensive captain since joining the Lions in 2021, proving to be a key leader on the field.
Returning to practice this week with a brace on his left hand, Anzalone admitted that his hand might not fully heal until the offseason. However, he tested his physical limits in practice and decided to contribute to this crucial game while wearing the brace.
On Thursday, Anzalone expressed uncertainty about his availability but is now set to play in Sunday’s high-stakes matchup.
Kalif Raymond’s Comeback:
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond, sidelined since November 24 due to a leg injury, is also back in action. Raymond, who serves as the team’s third receiver and return specialist, has been pivotal this season with:
- Receiving Stats: 16 catches for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns
- Return Stats: 416 total return yards, including a punt return touchdown
Lions’ Inactive Players:
- Offensive Linemen: Colby Sorsdal, Giovani Manu, Kayode Awosika
- Defensive Linemen: Jonah Williams, Brodric Martin
- Quarterback: Teddy Bridgewater (emergency QB behind Jared Goff and Hendon Hooker)
Vikings’ Inactive Players:
- Quarterback: Brett Rypien
- Cornerback: Fabian Moreau
- Linebacker: Calvin Munson
- Defensive Lineman: Levi Drake Rodriguez
- Center: Dan Feeney
- Tackle: Walter Rouse
- Linebacker: Patrick Jones
Additional Updates:
Running back David Montgomery remains out due to an MCL injury in his left knee, while Craig Reynolds, listed as questionable with a back injury, is now available to play.
The Lions aim to fight for a first-round bye in the playoffs for the first time since Week 5 of the season, making this game a must-win encounter.