The Detroit Lions were one of the first teams to report to training camp last week, as rookies suited up on Wednesday before the veterans arrived a few days later.
The first day of practice went down on Sunday, but it already looks like linebacker Alex Anzalone will be sidelined for the foreseeable future. Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reported that head coach Dan Campbell said Anzalone is dealing with a hamstring injury and there's no timetable for when he'll return.
Dan Campbell says Alex Anzalone is dealing with a hamstring injury. Doesn't have a timetable for his return.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) July 21, 2025
Lions LB Alex Anzalone Hampered by Hamstring Injury
This isn't ideal considering there's only been one practice, but this is also something to keep an eye on. Anzalone wasn't around for voluntary workouts this offseason and even hinted at being upset with his current contract on social media.
The 30-year-old is entering the last season of a three-year, $18 million deal. He's due $6 million in base salary and has $100,000 total in per-game bonuses.
The Florida product has been a team captain since signing with the Lions in 2021. Over 57 games in the Motor City, Anzalone has supplied 395 total tackles, 26 quarterback hits, 24 pass deflections, 22 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
The top-10 highest-paid linebackers in the NFL make at least $11 million, so it makes sense why Anzalone feels underpaid.
Campbell added that he "crushed" his conditioning test but is one of just three players (Anthony Pittman and Al-Quadin Muhammad) who weren't placed on the physically unable to perform list yet didn't practice on Day 1.
Hamstring injuries are never fun and need the proper time off to avoid aggravating the injury and extending the time off the field. That's what the Lions are saying the four-time captain is dealing with, but with how everything has panned out this offseason so far, it's not a surprise to see fans think this is related to his contract.
Real games don't start for another six weeks, but training camp is essential to get players' bodies up to speed for the upcoming season. Although Anzalone is a vet, time away from the field isn't fitting, and it only took three days for something to pop up.