Will Alex Anzalone play against the Vikings?

Willpower Detroit Lions Will linebacker Alex Anzalone suit up and play against the Minnesota Vikings?

With anticipation for Sunday’s showdown between the final two teams vying for the NFC North crown and the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed reaching a fever pitch, the lions fanned the flame by designating the veteran defenseman to return from injured reserve earlier in the week.

This does not guarantee him playing on Sunday, but rather begins his 21-day return-to-practice window. During that stage, the lions They have historically been cautious about allowing players a week to reacclimate before inserting them into action the following week.

However, since the winner of Sunday’s match takes the divisiona first-round bye and home-field advantage for the playoffs, it could be urgent for the veteran to return to action quickly.

Anzalon He spoke to reporters for the first time since his injury on Thursday. He participated fully in Detroit’s practice and sported what he explained was a padded carbon fiber cast on his injured left forearm.

There are several factors at play in the decision he, the coaches and the coaching staff face with this decision. Most notably, as with any player returning from injury, there is the threat of the ailment re-aggravating.

As the Florida product explained, the process of his return will be collaborative. Together, he, the coaches and the medical staff will evaluate his situation and what he would need to suit up. Sunday.

Anzalone is eager to return, but the threat of a setback remains. One of the elements that weighs on his mind is the possibility of missing the Super Bowl in case the Lions made it and he suffered further damage.

“I think you just think, okay, for me personally, obviously, the doctors and the coaches look at the risks of waiting a week, waiting two weeks, practicing, maybe letting it all spin next week or the week after that. “After that or this week,” Anzalone said. “For me, personally, it’s like, ‘Okay, let’s say if something happened, would it be okay if I didn’t play in the Super Bowl?’ So I think it’s a decision I have to make in my own head. Is it worth it? How do I feel about going through these next practices? And from there I haven’t practiced in six weeks. So I just use my arm and go. from there.”

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Because it’s been so long since Anzalon has exercised, there are aspects of his job that he has not been able to perform. Chief among them is tackling, as he has not been able to go full speed and knock an opponent to the ground.

Through drilling work, Anzalon has tried to replicate the movement. However, he still has some catching up to do to do it live.

“I haven’t knocked anyone down,” Anzalone said. “I did some exercises and tried to simulate it as much as possible. It’s just one of those things: ‘How are you feeling?’”

In Anzalone’s absence, the lions He turned to second-year linebacker Jack Campbell to take over calling plays for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. While Campbell has shown plenty of leadership and become a top-notch defender, Anzalone’s veteran presence and calm demeanor, combined with his production, would be a welcome return.

“Alex is a unique guy, and I say that because he’s always upbeat. Nothing gets him down, no matter what the situation is,” Glenn said. “He and Jack are two different people. Jack is serious, he’s always here. Alex may be here in a while, and that’s not a bad thing, it’s actually a good thing because it keeps me focused for the most part. But just him, “His presence, his calming presence. And the players get so used to him being around, that’s nothing against Jack or anything, they’re just two totally different people in the way they operate.”

Anzalone’s presence would help defense who has been struggling lately. Notably, the Lions rank 29th in points allowed over their last three games with 33.0.

Still, Anzalone rejected the narrative that this could slow the lions far from achieving their ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl.

“I think it’s silly, honestly. It’s just one of those things,” Anzalone said. “We have to do our part and limit the points and that’s the number one goal as a defense. “We haven’t been doing that recently, but at the same time, saying we’re not good enough to win a Super Bowl is pretty dumb, honestly.”

If Anzalone participates fully in Friday’s practice, he could carry an injury designation into Sunday’s game. This would allow the team to further evaluate his condition over the weekend and in the hours leading up to kickoff. His possible return adds even more intrigue to the most anticipated game of the season.