Detroit Lions LB Alex Anzalone to miss game against New Orleans Saints

Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone might miss game against his old team, the New Orleans Saints, due to injury. Lions also face other injuries.

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone may not be facing his old team, the New Orleans Saints, this week due to an injury he suffered in last week's Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers. Lions coach Dan Campbell stated on Monday that Anzalone could be out for a while with an injury to his left hand or arm. Anzalone has been a key player for the Lions this season, leading the team with 87 tackles through 11 games. Despite being troubled by injuries earlier in his career, he has been mostly healthy during his three seasons in Detroit and is currently in the midst of his best season as a pro. Anzalone has showcased his skills with three sacks, nine quarterback hits, and one fumble recovery, making him one of the Lions' best defensive players. The Lions could also be without left guard Jonah Jackson for a third straight game. Jackson has been dealing with a wrist injury and has not practiced since Week 10. The Lions are considering starting Kayode Awosika at left guard on Sunday. In addition to Anzalone and Jackson's injuries, the Lions are planning to open the practice window for rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker. Hooker has been on the nonfootball injury list since training camp and is expected to return to practice soon. Once Hooker returns to practice, the Lions will have 21 days to activate him to the 53-man roster or return him to NFI for the remainder of the season. Although Hooker is unlikely to play a significant role with the Lions over the final six weeks of the regular season and in the playoffs, his work over the next six-plus weeks should give him a jumpstart on winning the backup job next season. Additionally, the Carolina Panthers fired former Lions assistant head coach/running backs Duce Staley on Monday as part of a large staff overhaul. Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed his sympathy for Staley, stating that he hasn't talked to anybody out there yet and that it's unfortunate to hear about someone losing their job.