Soreness Sits Down Alex Anzalone
August 6th, 2026
Inside linebacker Alex Anzalone.
The Joe typing already thinks it’s clear that Alex Anzalone is the new leader of the Bucs defense.
He’s the man calling the signals at inside linebacker and Anzalone relishes the role of being the defense’s main man, as he was during his five-year run as a team captain in Detroit.
That doesn’t make Anzalone a great player, just a very important one in a Bucs defense seeking a fresh attitude and relying on multiple rookies.
Today, Anzalone sat out practice. Joe was distressed. Todd Bowles said Anzalone is “sore.” That would be in contrast to Bowles potentially saying Anzalone simply got a scheduled veteran rest day.
Joe is laser-focused on Anzalone’s health because Joe doesn’t see a viable option behind him on the depth chart. Anzalone turns 32 next month.
August 6th, 2026 at 11:50 am
Eeesh
August 6th, 2026 at 12:13 pm
Could his soreness be attributed to trying to settle Trotter down 😂
August 6th, 2026 at 12:32 pm
Joe what kind of injuries he had in the past? Was he out of games often in Detroit?
August 6th, 2026 at 12:36 pm
UH-OH…
Big trouble in little Tampa.
Relax.
I’m just joking.
Everything will be fine.
7-10.
August 6th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
Gemini Injury list while in the NFL.
Alex Anzalone has dealt with several significant injuries throughout his NFL career, resulting in multiple stints on injured reserve (IR):
* 2017 (New Orleans Saints): Suffered a shoulder injury in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins and was placed on injured reserve on October 4, 2017, prematurely ending his rookie season after starting 4 games.
* 2019 (New Orleans Saints): Suffered an injury early in the year that led to him being placed on injured reserve on September 16, 2019, limiting his season to just 2 games.
* 2021 (Detroit Lions): Started the first 14 games of the season before suffering a shoulder injury in Week 15. He was placed on injured reserve on December 20, 2021.
* 2023–2024 Playoffs (Detroit Lions): Played through a sprained AC joint in his shoulder and three fractured ribs during the Lions’ postseason run. The rib injury was originally sustained in Week 18 of the regular season.
* 2024 (Detroit Lions): Suffered a broken left forearm in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars following a collision with teammate Brian Branch. He was placed on injured reserve and missed several weeks before returning for the regular-season finale.
* 2025 (Detroit Lions): Sidelined late in the season due to a concussion, missing the final stretch of games.
August 6th, 2026 at 12:39 pm
Relax Joe! Anzalone is a smart vet that likely has already learned the defense, so he doesn’t need tons of reps. Feed him just enough reps to keep him mentally sharp but still protect him from injuries.
August 6th, 2026 at 12:44 pm
Soreness means either contusions, deep bruises or muscle tears. Bowles comes from the Belichick school of medical updates so we’re left to guess what’s what for every guy he labels that way.
If they don’t come back within a week it’s more than ‘soreness’ going on.
August 6th, 2026 at 12:53 pm
LOL!
Gee willikers!
I just can’t figure out why the Detroit Lions were so willing to let this guy go?
August 6th, 2026 at 1:10 pm
Lets see if SVD can step up and show he’s improved his game…or will Rozeboom step up
GO BUCS!!!!
August 6th, 2026 at 1:30 pm
@JimBobBuc
@LoiusFriend
Joe, I agree with JimBob and Louis.
Alex is a long-time vet and it stands to reason he’s absorbed most, if not all, of the playbook.
Give it a week and then we’ll know if it’s something more serious.
In the meantime, please keep your eyes and ears peeled because you’re right as well… Alex is a much-needed spark for our D and a more serious injury could certainly throw things off kilter.
August 6th, 2026 at 1:53 pm
Personally, I think Anzalone is the most important player on defense to stay healthy because WHO is the backup?
August 6th, 2026 at 2:23 pm
Apparently, none of the young FA were worth signing. Better to get the worn out, often injured old man. Bush or Lloyd just wouldn’t do.
August 7th, 2026 at 11:51 am
Ouch! This was my only concern with Anzalone. Maybe all the Shed turf practices?
Go Bucs!