By Mummy Grace 
Late Thursday, the Detroit Lions shook things up with a roster move that’s got fans buzzing about who might hit the field for the big Sunday night showdown against the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions decided to waive wide receiver Tom Kennedy and brought defensive back Morice Norris back to the practice squad.
At first glance, it seems like this move points to wide receiver and punt returner Kalif Raymond making his comeback. Makes sense, right? Kennedy has been filling in for Raymond while he was out, but now that Raymond’s been practicing for two weeks, it feels like a no-brainer that he’ll suit up for the season finale.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The Lions already had an open roster spot after letting Norris go from the 53-man earlier this week. So why cut Kennedy and risk losing him to waivers when Raymond could’ve just slid into that empty spot?
Cue Alex Anzalone.
The Lions’ linebacker and defensive captain is back at practice after missing six games with a broken forearm. It’s a tight turnaround—just two practices and a walkthrough—but he was listed as a full participant on Thursday. When talking to the media that evening, he shed some light on the tough calls the team (and he) need to make.
“Obviously, the doctors and trainers talk through the risks: waiting a week, two weeks, going through practice, maybe spinning it this week, maybe later,” Anzalone said. “For me, it’s like, okay, if something happens, would I be okay not playing in the Super Bowl? That’s kind of the decision I have to make for myself. Is it worth it?”
Here’s the deal: the Lions might not actually plan to activate Anzalone this week. Keeping that roster spot open gives them a little more wiggle room. Still, the door is definitely open for him to make a surprise return Sunday—and let’s be real, Detroit’s defense could use the boost.