**Detroit Lions Lose Defensive Leader Alex Anzalone to Broken Forearm**

In a dominant 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Detroit Lions encountered a significant setback on Sunday as they lost their middle linebacker and defensive captain, Alex Anzalone, to a broken forearm. Postgame, Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed that Anzalone will be sidelined for an estimated 6-to-8 weeks, impacting his availability for much of the remaining seven games of the regular season.

The injury occurred just before halftime when Anzalone was involved in a tackle during Jacksonville’s final drive of the first half. The play saw Jacksonville running a speed option to the Lions' sideline, where Anzalone, in the process of tackling Travis Etienne, had his arm caught between the helmet of Detroit safety Brian Branch and Etienne’s body. Anzalone was unable to continue and was swiftly ruled out with the forearm injury. Television footage caught Anzalone walking off the field and seemingly saying, "It's broke," before the cameras cut away.

Anzalone, who has served as a team captain since his arrival in Detroit in 2021, has been instrumental in the Lions' defensive resurgence, with the unit ranking fifth in the NFL in scoring defense as they entered Week 11. Prior to his injury, he was second on the team with 51 tackles, which included six tackles for loss and four defended passes. Last season, Anzalone led the Lions with a career-high 129 tackles, underscoring his importance as one of the team’s veteran leaders.

This injury adds to the Lions’ defensive woes, as they are already operating without their starting defensive ends, Aidan Hutchinson (leg) and Marcus Davenport (pectoral), along with various backup players. Additionally, tight end Sam LaPorta missed the game against Jacksonville due to a shoulder injury sustained in the previous week’s win, though it was described by him as “nothing major.” The Lions had regained the services of linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who returned to the lineup after missing two weeks with an ankle injury, only to face the setback of losing Anzalone.