One of the bigger blows the Detroit Lions' defense has taken in recent weeks was the loss of linebacker Alex Anzalone to a broken arm in Week 11.
Anzalone is looking good for a late season or playoff return according to Dan Campbell. That's good news for a Detroit defense that has been missing his presence on the field. Ever since the injury. Anzalone has been putting in the work to get back as quickly as possible.
Joining the "Ross Tucker Football Podcast" last week, Anzalone was asked about his recovery process.
"They do a good job of not putting players in harm's way (in Detroit) as opposed to many places around the league, or how traditionally the NFL is viewed. I'm just doing everything I can to accelerate the bone healing, whether it's hyperbaric or different things in the training room. They have a million and one things you can do, they call it osteoblasts. So I'm doing everything I can, whether it's six weeks or (less), I'm getting an x-ray soon. Who knows what the x-ray is going to say."
The Lions aren't going to rush Anzalone back, but
Though he can't practice or play yet, Anzalone has been around the building and staying involved as his rehab schedule gets more aggressive.
"I'm not in the meetings as much. I drop in when I can because my rehab post-surgery is starting to get a little more extensive (with) my workouts and running. Usually we do that during meeting times and then I'm out there for practice and walkthroughs. I try to stop in."
Anzalone has been working hands-on with Jack Campbell, while also helping get new additions up to speed.
"I just try to help out in different ways with Jack (Campbell). I know how he is. I talk to him after every game, and he's hard on himself. I just try to help loosen him up a little bit and not take football so serious. Even a guy like Kwon (Alexander) who we're going to rely on a lot. Talking to him, trying to relay the information kind of like how we learned it in New Orleans. (I) just help out at walkthroughs with different guys."
Even though his injury was frustrating, Anzalone hasn't quit working and he hasn't stopped building his teammates up. That investment has been important to Detroit's defense continuing to play well in is absence.
