The Lions are bringing LB Alex Anzalone back on a three-year, $18.75 million deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. That's particularly noteworthy money for Anzalone, who played each of the past two seasons for Detroit on one-year pacts. He got just $1.75 million in 2021 and then $2.5 million last year. But Anzalone increased his playing time each season vs. what he got across four seasons in New Orleans. That included playing 95.1% of the snaps across 17 games last year. Anzalone also saw boosts in his Pro Football Focus grading across categories and cracked the top 30 LBs in fantasy points. Expect him to remain the Lions' best bet for full playing time at the position, heading into his age-29 season. There's still room for 2022 rookie Malcolm Rodriguez to grow his role, though, vs. where Rodriguez finished the season.

The Lions on Monday placed LB Alex Anzalone on IR with the right-shoulder injury he suffered Sunday. That knocks him out for the final 3 games of the season. Anzalone has had issues with that shoulder in the past. We'll see about his status heading into 2022. Anzalone is set to hit free agency in March. As for this year's Lions, Josh Woods would be a primary fill-in but also suffered a shoulder injury against the Cardinals. We'll see about his status this week. Jalen Reeves-Maybin looks like the best bet for playing time among Detroit LBs.

Lions LB Alex Anzalone left Sunday's win over the Cardinals with a shoulder injury and did not return. That marks the 2nd straight game in which Anzalone has gotten hurt, following a Week 14 ankle issue that left him questionable for Sunday. It'll be tough to like him for Week 16 IDP lineups, even if he makes it back from this one. LB Josh Woods also left Sunday's game with a shoulder injury. We'll see who Detroit has available heading into next Sunday.

Lions LB Alex Anzalone (ankle) is active for today's game against the Cardinals. DE Michael Brockers (knee) and LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) are also active. The presence of Anzalone and Reeves-Maybin likely keeps LB Josh Woods from being IDP relevant after 2 straight weeks of nice tackle production. This is a defense to avoid if possible in IDP lineups.

Lions MLB Alex Anzalone left Sunday's loss to the Broncos in the 1st half with an ankle injury. In his absence, Josh Woods led Detroit LBs in playing time at 94% and racked up a game-high 13 tackles. Rookie Derrick Barnes followed at 69%, with LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin inactive.

Chris Burke of The Athletic believes that Lions MLB Alex Anzalone "almost certainly" will be wearing the green-dot helmet and calling defensive plays come the regular season. "Anzalone could be out there for close to 100 percent of the snaps (health willing)," Burke adds. Anzalone has history with HC Dan Campbell and DC Aaron Glenn from their shared time in New Orleans. Injuries limited Anzalone's playing time there. The 2 (of 4) seasons in which he played all 16 games found Anzalone staying on the field for just 47.2% and 50.2% of snaps. It sounds like he's headed for a lot more with these Lions, which makes Anzalone an intriguing pick at the end of IDP fantasy football drafts.