Alex Anzalone Injury Update: Latest on Detroit Lions Linebacker Ahead of Week 13 Showdown

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone continues to make headlines just weeks after having his contract sweetened and days after challenging an NFL fine, and his status looms large as Detroit prepares for a pivotal Week 13 clash against the Green Bay Packers. Anzalone’s controversial fine and appeal The NFL docked Anzalone $12,154 for what it deemed an unnecessary-roughness “tripping” penalty in Week 6 against Kansas City. An independent appeals officer lowered the hit to $9,737 but still labeled the contact punishable—a decision the veteran linebacker blasted on social media, calling it “incidental” and “hard to understand.” The play, a textbook dive to stop running back Brashard Smith in the flat, was never flagged during the game, fueling Anzalone’s frustration and drawing fresh attention to the league’s uneven disciplinary process. Contract tweak underscores leadership role Detroit quietly guaranteed the final $6 million of Anzalone’s 2025 base salary and added $250,000 in incentives this summer, rewarding the 30-year-old captain for anchoring Aaron Glenn’s hybrid front over the past two seasons. The reworked deal, the last year of a three-year, $18.3 million pact, signals the organization’s commitment to keeping its defensive signal-caller long-term while giving the linebacker added financial security heading into free agency. Injury update: all signs point to a return After missing two games with a fractured forearm suffered in Week 11, Anzalone logged back-to-back limited sessions to open Thanksgiving week. Team sources are optimistic the casted arm will not sideline him versus Green Bay if swelling continues to subside. His presence is critical: Detroit allowed 134 rushing yards per outing without him but just 91 yards when he plays, and his 91.1 PFF coverage grade against tight ends ranks seventh among NFL linebackers. Why Anzalone matters against the Packers Green Bay’s zone-run scheme hinges on Aaron Jones’ cutback lanes and Luke Musgrave’s play-action seam routes—areas where Anzalone’s range and communication shine. With rookie Jack Campbell still easing into Mike duties, the eighth-year veteran is Detroit’s on-field translator for Glenn’s late-shift fronts and blitz disguises. Expect the Lions to pair Anzalone’s inside speed with nickel linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez on third downs to chase quarterback Jordan Love and erase crossers. What’s next Detroit (8-3) can clinch its best record through 12 games since 1991 with a Thanksgiving win. A healthy, motivated Alex Anzalone gives Dan Campbell’s club its emotional compass and a pivotal chess piece in pass coverage. If the captain delivers, the Lions’ long-awaited December playoff push could finally run through Ford Field.