Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice session after being designated to return from his broken forearm. There is an opportunity for Anzalone, Detroit’s best coverage backer and team captain, to play in the Week 18 finale against the Minnesota Vikings.
Dan Campbell has offered several updates on Anzalone over the past few weeks, including a comment on Wednesday that Thursday’s practice would be a big one for evaluating Anzalone’s availability. On Thursday morning, Coach Campbell had a little fun talking about what he needs from Anzalone.
On his weekly radio visit with 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell laid out what he wants to see from Anzalone to get the follically gifted LB back on Sunday night.
“He’s got to be able to do a handstand,” Campbell deadpanned. tongue firmly in cheek. “He’s got to be able to do a handstand press-up. And then really a version of a jumping jack on his hands. And if he can do that, we’re going to play that guy.”
We’re going to need video of that, coach…
Campbell did offer a more serious update on if Anzalone will play.
“I hope so,” Campbell said. “I hope so. He was at walk-through yesterday, and he’s going to practice today.”
The Lions final injury report comes out Friday afternoon, though Anzalone can still be activated after that timeframe.