Report: Alex Anzalone will make Lions return against Vikings

Anzalone will be playing with a steel plate in his forearm.

Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) walks on the field after his teams win against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Alex Anzalone will be on the field for the Detroit Lions Sunday night in the mega showdown with the MInnesota Vikings.

That's the word Sunday morning from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and if true it'll be Anzalone's first time playing since he broke his forearm Nov. 17 in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From @NFLGameDay: The #Lions get LB Alex Anzalone (forearm) back, but they'll monitor his snaps tonight; Plus, the #Cowboys' exclusive window to talk to coach Mike McCarthy lasts until Jan. 14. pic.twitter.com/HumplUwRkC

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2025

The 30-year-old linebacker had eight tackles in Detroit's 31-29 win over Minnesota at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 7. For the season, the weakside linebacker owns a 66.8 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus while doing his best work in coverage, where he has a 72.2 grade.

Anzalone and return specialist Khalif Raymond were both activated from injured reserve on Saturday. Raymond is also go for launch, giving Detroit a couple of key players back for the biggest game of the season.

What's on the line when the game kicks off at 7:20 p.m. CT? The winner will claim the NFC North title anad the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, which comes with home-field advantage and a first-round bye. The loser will fall to the No. 5 seed and hit the road next week to begin the playoffs.

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