Lions Coach Dan Campbell Jokes About What Alex Anzalone Needs To Clear Before Return

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone is getting set to return to the field as his broken arm seems to have recovered. On Sunday, Detroit will host Minnesota for the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The Lions team captain was listed as a participant in practice for the first time since fracturing his forearm during the Detroit vs Jaguars game. Head coach Dan Campbell looked pretty hopeful and even made a joke about Anzalone’s return, where he cheekily shared the test Anzalone would need to pass before returning.The Lions posted an estimated practice report, where Anzalone was listed as limited. Anzalone broke his forearm in November and was initially given a six- to eight-week timetable for recovery. Campbell said on Thursday that he's "hopeful" Anzalone will play this week. "I hope so," he said. "I hope so. He was at walk-through yesterday, he's going to practice today."On Wednesday, the Lions held a non-contact walkthrough, the first session of the Week 18 game prep. Head coach Dan Campbell talked about Anzalone’s return right before the walkthrough. “He’ll be out there running around today, so we’ll see how he does,” Campbell shared. “It’s really going to be how he – tomorrow’s going to be, I think, a really big day for us to see where he’s at.”"Tomorrow's (Thursday) gonna be a really big day for us to see where he's at," Campbell said about the linebacker. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Anzalone has a "realistic chance" to play against the Vikings on Sunday. When asked about what Anzalone needs to do to be cleared, Campbell joked, "He's got to be able to do a handstand.” He further added, "He's got to be able to do a handstand press-up. And then really a version of a jumping jack on his hands."Getting Anzalone back can be a major boost for the Lions’ struggling defense since he has been an asset for Aaron Glenn’s defense. The team has tried several replacements, including Ben Niemann, Kwon Alexander, Ezekiel Turner and Jamal Adams. In Anzalone's absence, Jack Campbell was one of many players who took up extra duties due to the many injuries within the team.Also Read: Lions fans showed their appreciation for Jared Goff with his name’s chants after win vs against the 49ersCampbell attempted to lead the defense. The first-round pick was assigned to relay Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's calls on the field."I mean the last time I checked, it is the NFL and the most important thing is winning. You guys (reporters) will nitpick, that is your job, which I respect," Campbell said. "But when you get out of there with a win and you're sitting here 14-2, you feel very fortunate. Not a lot of teams can say they've done that.” "Now, to have the opportunity to go against another 14-2 team is just amazing, so it's gonna be fun. It's just, I feel like, a testament to the organization in bringing the right guys. Guys that want to come in and be football players,” he added.