The Detroit Lions won big on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars but suffered a significant loss on the defensive side of the ball.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone suffered a broken forearm in the 52-6 win. The injury is expected to sideline Anzalone for 6-8 weeks, a timeline that would likely have him returning for postseason play.
"It's always hard losing a player like that, man," Lions cornerback Amik Robertson said. "It's always hard. Of course, we probably don't have another Anz, but we've got younger guys that could step up and finish on the road...because like I said, if we've got guys out there playing for one another, I think we'll be fine."
It's yet another blow for a Lions defense that has been hit with significant injuries. Star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, starting defensive end Marcus Davenport and starting linebacker Derrick Barnes are all dealing with long-term injuries.
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
After the game, Anzalone took to social media with a message on the injury and when he plans to be back.
"Thank you everyone for the well wishes!" Anzalone said in a message posted to X. "As an athlete, a lot of times you think, 'Why did this have to happen?' But I like to think about all the countless reps something bad didn't happen. I'm beyond blessed! I'll be back in no time, fresh legs and all[.]"
Anzalone is a captain on the defensive side of the ball. He is second on the team with 51 tackles. Anzalone added a sack and seven tackles for loss.
