Reinforcements are here for the Detroit Lions' defense.
Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone is active tonight as the Lions host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football with the winner earning the NFC North title and the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC playoffs.
Anzalone has missed Detroit's last six games after breaking his forearm Week 11 in Detroit's win over Jacksonville. Anzalone returned to practice this week and was activated from IR on Saturday. He has 56 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack and has defended four passes in nine games this season. His return should be a boost for a Lions' defense facing a Vikings' offense that entered eighth in scoring and the fifth best passing offense in the NFL this season.
Also back in the lineup tonight for the Lions is wide receiver and punt returner Kalif Raymond, who hasn't played since late November after injuring his foot in a win over Indianapolis. Raymond has a couple touchdown catches playing receiver and his 14.4-yard punt return average ranks third best in the NFL as he's returned one for a touchdown already this season.
Detroit's inactive list for tonight includes just one injured player as running back David Montgomery (knee) is inactive for a third straight game. He's joined on the inactive list by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (emergency quarterback), guard Kayode Awosika, offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal, tackle Giovanni Manu, defensive lineman Jonah Williams and defensive tackle Brodric Martin.
Detroit elevated defensive lineman Chris Smith and cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver from the practice squad on Saturday and both are active tonight.
