The Lions captain is healthy and in Allen Park, but not practicing… but it’s unclear as to why.
According to Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone has reported to training camp and even crushed his conditioning test. However, Anzalone will not be practicing on the opening day of practice.
The reasoning for that remains unclear. Anzalone has not been shy about his desire to get a new contract. While he hasn’t publicly said it outright, there are reports that he wants a new deal, and he’s hinted at it on social media, as well.
Campbell was dodgy when asked about Anzalone’s situation, but he emphatically believes Anzalone’s absence from practice is not a sit-in, holdout.
“No way, right?” Campbell said. “I refuse to believe that. I refuse to believe that.”
Campbell was also asked if there had been any resolution or new contractual developments regarding Anzalone’s current deal.
“No, not that I can really talk about,” Campbell said. “He’s here, reported, did great on the conditioning test, weight looks good, and ready to go.”
At this point, it remains a mystery why Anzalone is not practicing and when he is expected to return to the field. It’s worth noting that Anzalone is not the only player who avoided an injury list, passed the conditioning test, and will not be practicing for the opening session. Both Al-Quadin Muhammad and Anthony Pittman will also be sidelined on Sunday.
We’ll provide a full attendance list, along with the latest injury news from Detroit Lions camp after Sunday’s practice comes to an end.