Lions’ Campbell: Anzalone practicing Friday, but status for Vikings uncertain

Dan Campbell discusses the Vikings’ Week 18 matchup for the top playoff seed and provides injury updates.

FOX 2.In a match that will determine not just the NFC North but also the top seed in the NFC playoffs, the entire sports world will be watching Detroit on Sunday night when the Lions take on the Vikings. Naturally, the loser receives a fifth seed and is sent to a road playoff game.

Lions coach Dan Campbell stated during the team’s news conference on Friday that they are prepared to compete and step up when the time comes.

“Guys are locked in – we’re going to be ready to go,” he stated. “You are in this business for this reason. Coaches and players both think it’s fantastic for the team and for football. I believe that we welcome the challenge and the bright lights of it.

Linebacker Alex Anzalone has not experienced any injuries since returning to the field this week, and he practiced on Friday. For the injury-ravaged defense, it’s the first positive update in a long time. Although coordinator Aaron Glenn’s unit is receiving assistance, it is unclear when he will return.

More: Lions start getting ready for Sunday’s crucial matchup with the Vikings

Campbell remarked, “He’s earned enough to be able to practice today,” He looked good enough, in my opinion, to practice today. He will move a little bit and go out there without any problems, which is wonderful.”

One of the team’s defensive leaders, Anzalone, has been sidelined since breaking his forearm against the Jaguars on November 17.

Related: Dan Miller talks with Lions linebacker Jack Campbell about Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Vikings.

According to Campbell, there must be a balance struck between acclimating him sufficiently and “throwing him into the fire.”

Campbell remarked, “We want him, but we want to be smart too.” The last thing we want is to put him in danger. If he decides to play, it’s because we know he will give it his all and be able to assist us.

“We won’t play him if we don’t feel that way. It’s not worthwhile.

Nov. 17, Detroit, Michigan: On November 17, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, Alex Anzalone #34 of the Detroit Lions is assisted off the field following an injury sustained during a play during the second quarter of a game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field.

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