The Detroit Lions suffered a blow to their defense during their Week 11 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as linebacker Alex Anzalone exited early with a significant injury.
Following the Lions’ dominant 52-6 victory, head coach Dan Campbell announced that Anzalone had broken his forearm and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. Compounding the issue, the Lions are already without Derrick Barnes and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, both on injured reserve, leaving the linebacker group thin.
The silver lining is that Anzalone should return in time for the playoffs. With seven regular-season games left, the Lions could secure a first-round bye, buying him more recovery time.
In the interim, Detroit will likely rely on Malcolm Rodriguez alongside Jack Campbell. Depth options like Ben Niemann, Trevor Nowaske, and Ezekiel Turner remain, but none are ideal solutions.
One potential reinforcement is former Miami Dolphins linebacker David Long, now available in free agency. Long was waived in the final year of a two-year, $11 million contract he signed in 2023 and has cleared waivers, making him eligible for signing.
Long started all 17 games for Miami last season and six of eight games in 2024 before losing his role. According to Kyle Crabbs of the Locked on Dolphins Podcast, Long’s decline stemmed from a hamstring injury and struggles with run defense.
“David Long’s year began with a hamstring issue, a missed game against Tennessee, and a loss of his starting job due to regression in run fits,” Crabbs noted. “With Tyrel Dodson and Anthony Walker playing well, Long’s role became expendable.”
Originally a sixth-round pick by the Titans in 2019, Long emerged as a starter in Tennessee, excelling in run defense and as a pass-rusher with an energetic, aggressive style.
While coverage is not Long’s strength, his speed and sideline-to-sideline presence make him a high-energy defender.
A fresh start with a winning team like the Lions could reignite his potential and provide a more reliable option than Detroit’s current reserves. General manager Brad Holmes should seriously consider adding him to the roster.
