Dan Campbell offers hopeful new update regarding future status of Alex Anzalone

In addition to riding out some light injuries, the Detroit Lions are dealing with the extended absence of Alex Anzalone during training camp as he campaigns for a new contract.

Anzalone plays a key role for the defense as a captain and leader on the back end, so his extended absence would not be a good thing for the Lions if it bleeds into the regular season. Signs this week pointed to the potential for that to happen the longer Anzalone stays sidelined.

Thankfully, though, Dan Campbell has offered his take on the matter, and it should help quell many suspicions about Anzalone's long-term absence from the franchise. As the coach said, having Anzalone in the mix is still the plan for the Lions because he is needed.

"You guys know how I feel about Alex (Anzalone), how we feel about Alex. He's one of our dudes, man. We've leaned on him. He's a productive player. We're good. Still talking. There's no animosity here. There's nothing like that. I'm not going to go into anything else outside of that, but we're going to be good. We're going to be good. And yes, we're going to need him."

There's still no timetable for Anzalone's return, but at the very least, this is a positive update for the Lions. The linebacker has been around the team this week and also spoke to the media. There wasn't much negativity on behalf of either party playing out in front of cameras, which can be rare during difficult negotiations.

Alex Anzalone still wants to remain with Lions well into future

This week, Anzalone also broke his own silence related to his absence. While he is angling for a new contract, Anzalone has also been dealing with a hamstring injury, which has sidelined him from competing in camp. That hasn't changed his outlook about his future with the franchise.

Speaking with reporters as shared by Hobie Artigue of Local 4 News, Anzalone admitted that he wants to be with the team, and even retire as a member of the Lions given all the work he has put in with teammates.

"I want to retire a Lion. I've put so much into my time here, Being a four-time captain and a teammate, the city. Just living here. You can list all the reasons. It's just important to me. I love this place and I want that opportunity."

Technically, the Lions don't have to act now with Anzalone. He is still under contract for 2025, and Detroit could let the situation play out before handing money to a player that doesn't need a new contract immediately. Anzalone might hold out to make his point, but there is no guarantee that he will do that.

Based on what Campbell had to say, the Lions could now get Anzalone back when he is healthy before September. That would be a fantastic development for Detroit's defense, who needs the veteran this season regardless of what his long-term future might hold.