Linebacker Alex Anzalone was not listed on the Detroit Lions’ physically unable to perform (PUP) or non-football injury (NFI) lists ahead of training camp, signaling that he was physically ready to participate. However, despite this clearance, Anzalone did not participate in the team’s first practice session on Sunday, prompting questions about his absence.
Head coach Dan Campbell provided some insight, stating that Anzalone had “crushed” the team’s conditioning test. This performance came despite Anzalone skipping the team’s voluntary offseason activities, suggesting that fitness was not the issue. Campbell’s comments seemed to rule out any physical concerns and instead pointed toward other possible factors behind the linebacker’s non-participation.
Alex Anzalone Misses Lions’ First Practice Despite Clearance, Contract Questions Spark SpeculationAnzalone’s Contract Status Raises Questions Amid Absence from Early Training Camp Practices
One major factor could be Anzalone’s contract situation. He is entering the final year of a three-year, \$18 million deal and has made public remarks indicating that he’s seeking an improved contract before the start of the 2025 season. This timing has led to speculation that his absence from practice could be a strategic move connected to those contract talks.
Campbell, however, pushed back on that idea, saying he does not believe Anzalone is “holding in” — a method some players use to avoid fines while applying pressure for new deals. While the team doesn’t see it as a formal hold-in, there remains uncertainty surrounding when Anzalone will take the field and whether a resolution to his contract concerns is imminent.
