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Detroit Lions inactives: Alex Anzalone out; Aidan Hutchinson gets another backup RT

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Detroit Lions will try to stop Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals' high-powered offense today without the help of leading tackler Alex Anzalone.

Anzalone is inactive for today's game against the Cardinals because of a brain injury he suffered in a helmet-to-helmet collision with teammate Derrick Barnes last week.

Anzalone practiced on a limited basis Thursday and Friday as part of his return-to-play protocol and traveled with the team to Arizona. He has 17 tackles, including three for loss, through two games.

Alex Anzalone of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to a game during warmups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.
Alex Anzalone of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to a game during warmups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.

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Lions coach Dan Campbell said Friday that Anzalone still was making his way through concussion protocol – the last step for players is to be cleared by an independent neurologist – and expressed confidence in Anzalone's potential replacements.

Jack Campbell has started the first two weeks at middle linebacker, but given way to Malcolm Rodriguez on some passing downs. Both could see a tick up in playing time today.

"Hopefully, he’s not out, but if he is (our roles will) be all the same," linebacker Derrick Barnes said. "I think Malcolm will be in there a lot and keep things rolling. The biggest thing about our room is we got a bunch of starters in our room and a bunch of guys who know what they’re doing out there on the field and are also big playmakers. So we don’t see any big drop off is Anzo doesn’t play."

Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (Achilles/ankle) were ruled out Friday, and James Houston, Isaiah Williams, Colby Sorsdal and Gio Manu also are inactive for the Lions.

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Veteran receivers Allen Robinson and Tim Patrick, who were elevated from the practice squad to the gameday roster Saturday, are both active.

Right tackle Kelvin Beachum is inactive for the Cardinals (1-1) because of a hamstring injury he suffered in practice. Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has feasted on backup linemen with 5.5 sacks through two games this season, including 4.5 last week against backup Tampa Bay Buccaneers right tackle Justin Skule.

Dave Birkett is the author of the new book, "Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline." Preorder it now from Reedy Press.

Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions inactives: LB Alex Anzalone out vs Arizona Cardinals