Alex Anzalone is back. The Lions linebacker and defensive captain has been activated from Detroit’s injured reserve ahead of the Week 18 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
Anzalone has been out since breaking his forearm in the Week 11 win over the Jaguars. He had a rod inserted into the arm. Anzalone returned to practice during this week and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s NFC North showdown in Ford Field.
His return is a welcome one. The Lions linebackers have struggled in coverage in his absence, and Anzalone is one of the NFL’s better coverage backers.
The Lions also officially activated return man and wide receiver Kalif Raymond from I.R. in a more expected move. Raymond has missed the last five games with a foot injury.
In addition, rookie DB Morice Norris is back on the active roster, signed from Detroit’s practice squad. The Lions also placed DB Emmanuel Moseley on the non-football illness list and signed Tom Kennedy to the practice squad.
Detroit also elevated DT Chris Smith and CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver from the practice to the active roster for the Week 18 game.