The Detroit Lions could get a nice, needed lift to the defense with the potential return of linebacker and defensive captain Alex Anzalone. He’s been activated from the injured reserve list ahead of Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18.

The game was noteworthy not just for Detroit's big win but also for the return of ex- Florida Gators star and rising Lions star Alex Anzalone, who returned from a broken left forearm injury and played with a carbon fiber cast en route to a successful performance defending Vikings star tight end TJ Hockensen.

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone returned from a seven-week injury to help his team secure the NFC North title, No. 1 seed in playoffs.

With the high anticipation for Sunday's matchup between the last two teams competing for both the NFC North crown and the NFC's No. 1 seed for the playoffs, the Lions stoked the flame by designating the veteran defender to return from injured reserve earlier in the week.

Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone to return from injured reserve in a limited fashion against the Vikings in Week 18

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone and punt returner Kalif Raymond are active for Sunday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Anzalone admitted he did not fully trust the usage of his injured forearm at this stage of his recovery. This week marks the sixth since his injury, and he was initially given a timetable to return of six-to-eight weeks.

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone was listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC showdown for the Minnesota Vikings and could be activated off injury reserve this week. Anzalone broke his left

The Detroit Lions' defense has been much maligned for its recent struggles. However, when the lights were the brightest, the group showed up in a big way. With

Head Coach Dan Campbell speaks to the media about the meaning of the win against the Minnesota Vikings, the bye week, and potential postseason opponents.

Before returning to action on Sunday 5, Detroit Lions star Alex Anzalone showed off the gruesome journey it took to get there. Hours prior to the team’s Sunday Night Football showdown with the Minnesota Vikings at Detroit’s Ford Field,