GLENDALE, Ariz. – If Detroit is going to bounce back Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, they're going to have to do so without their defensive captain and leading tackler, linebacker Alex Anzalone.
After suffering a concussion in last week's loss vs. Tampa Bay, Anzalone was listed as questionable coming into Sunday's contest and is inactive for the Lions today. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said this week he has a lot of confidence in Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and the rest of Detroit's veteran linebacker group to get the job done without Anzalone.
"Well, I've said this all along, but I have plenty of trust in that linebacker room," Glenn said. "Jack has done a good job for us, going from OTAs and training camp, of backing Alex up and being able to make the calls and stand in front of that huddle, so I have no issue with that.
"(Rodriguez) Rigo was a starter for us for quite some time, so I am very comfortable with him coming in and getting those reps too. So that's a room that I have the utmost confidence in regardless of who plays, even if (Jalen Reeves-Maybin) has to play, I expect him to go out there and play up to the same level as every other linebacker that we have. So, I'm confident in those guys."
The good news on the injury front for Detroit Sunday is cornerback Terrion Arnold (illness) and guard Graham Glasgow (knee), who were both listed as questionable after missing some practice time this week, are active.
Rookie wide receiver Isaiah Williams was the fourth player entering the game listed as questionable, and he joins Anzalone on the inactive list with an abdomen injury that made him a limited participant in practice all week. The team elevated veteran receivers Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson to boost their numbers at receiver for this game.
The team already ruled out safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) on Friday. They join Anzalone, Williams, edge rusher James Houston, offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal and tackle Giovanni Manu to round out Detroit's inactive list for today's key NFC matchup in Arizona.
