Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell cleared up any confusion about why linebacker Alex Anzalone just isn’t practising as coaching camp opened on Sunday. Whereas Anzalone “crushed” the conditioning check earlier within the week, Campbell revealed the veteran defender is presently coping with a hamstring damage.
“I don’t see him practising right this moment (Monday), I don’t,” Campbell stated. “It’s a hamstring (damage), so we’ll see the place it goes.”
This, kind of, confirms that Anzalone just isn’t voluntarily lacking observe as a “sit-in” protest for not having a brand new contract. It’s no secret that Anzalone would really like a brand new deal getting into the ultimate yr of his three-year, $18.75 million contract signed in 2023. However on Sunday, Campbell felt pretty sure Anzalone wasn’t the kind of participant to sit down out on his personal accord.
“No method, proper. I refuse to imagine that. I refuse to imagine that,” Campbell stated.
Practising in Anzalone’s place on Sunday was veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham, who was signed as a free agent again in Might. Campbell stated he has already been impressed by Cunningham’s pure motion and veteran presence from his practices within the spring.
“He’s performed on this league. He’s an excellent athlete. He’s fairly instinctive. He’s a sensible man,” Campbell stated. “He’s fluid, man. Typically it’s easy. He’s a fluid mover.”
Along with Anzalone, Campbell additionally introduced that Al-Quadin Muhammad just isn’t anticipated to observe on Monday. Nonetheless, linebacker Anthony Pittman is anticipated to return to the sector after lacking the opening observe on Sunday.
